You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

–James 5:8

Three young children, ten year old twins, Jane and Judy, and six year old, Jim, were awake really early on Christmas morning, eager and excited to see what Santa had left for them under the tree.

The only problem was that the children were told by their parents that they had to be patient and wait until their uncle and aunt arrived from Youngstown, OH, before they could go into the living room to see their gifts. The three doors leading into that room were closed on Christmas morning, the only time they ever were.

The children hurriedly swallowed their breakfast at the kitchen table, hoping beyond all hope, that their uncle and aunt would arrive while they were eating. But, they knew better. Each year it was the same thing. The travelers from Youngstown never arrived by the time the children thought they should. The girls helped their mother set the dining room table for the Christmas feast. Jim helped his father outside. Still, no sign of the relatives.

The children grew increasingly more impatient. Waiting on this extra-special morning was especially hard! When would their aunt and uncle get there?
Finally, the Buick pulled into the driveway. They were here! The children were given the “OK” to go look at the Christmas tree. That year Jim’s best gift was a riding tractor, Judy’s was a beautiful ballerina doll, and mine was a bride doll with the most gorgeous wedding dress and veil that I had ever seen!

The waiting paid off, as it always did, with treasured gifts from Santa, but maybe even more importantly, the gifts from our aunt and uncle were always absolutely wonderful, too, and well worth the wait.

During this anticipatory season of Advent as we prepare and wait for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, let’s invite God into our hearts to provide us with the calm and peace that only He can supply because we already know that it’s going to be well worth the wait.