As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming.”

Waiting can be pure agony! In our house, the rule was that, on Christmas morning, my sisters and I were not allowed to wake our parents until 7:00. But I was always so excited about seeing what Santa had left for me that I routinely woke up at 3:00 a.m. and couldn’t fall back asleep. I spent countless hours sitting at the kitchen table, playing Solitaire, watching the minute hand on the clock creep ever so slowly, until the hour I had been longing for finally arrived.

The people who encountered John the Baptist in this passage knew a little something about waiting in anticipation. Centuries ago, God had promised them a Messiah – a Savior – and they were “filled with expectation.” They weren’t sure exactly when, or where, or how it would happen, but they were eagerly awaiting His arrival. They kept waiting, and watching for a sign that the big moment was drawing near.

Isn’t that what Advent is all about? Eagerly waiting, and watching. Being filled with expectation, knowing the magnitude of what is about to happen.

Although I no longer play Solitaire at 3:00 a.m., I still have trouble sleeping on Christmas Eve. I’ve never outgrown that sense of wonder and excitement that surrounds the coming of Christ. I love the music, the Christmas trees, the decorations and lights, the presents, and the love and joy on the faces of family and friends.

I’m willing to bet that, like His people here on Earth, God was also “filled with expectation” as He awaited the birth of His Son on that very first Christmas Day. God had chosen the perfect gift to give to those He loved, and couldn’t wait to see the joy that Jesus would bring!