Trapped in the crossfire of the Israel/Hamas war, Israeli and Arab Christians face daily danger. With tear-stained faces and terror-filled hearts, they beg God to end the hostilities and their indescribable suffering. We grieve with our Christian brothers and sisters, piling our prayers for peace on top of theirs. Bonnie Kristian suggested in Christianity Today that this might be a good time for Jesus to return. Indeed. “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20). Yet, time passes, and the war rages. Perhaps you also yearn for answers to other prayers and wonder why you must wait so long.

A Time of Waiting

First-century Jews also knew the strain of waiting for the fulfillment of their hearts’ desire. Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, God sprinkled the hope of a redeemer, someone to deliver them from their oppressors. They looked forward to the promised coming of the Messiah.

The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. 

Genesis 49:10

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. 

Isaiah 9:6-7

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. 

Micah 5:2

Your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 

Zechariah 9:9

As centuries passed with only silence from the Lord, the Jews’ anticipation swelled. By Jesus’ day, they expected the Messiah’s imminent arrival. 

When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son. 

Galatians 4:4 ESV

Ways to Measure Time

Ancient Greeks had two words for time: chronos and kairos. Chronos refers to clock or calendar time. Kairos measures moments, not minutes, and means certain conditions have been met. Behind the scenes, God prepared the world to send his Son. 

“Fullness” also means “completed.” God waited to send Jesus until everything was ready and arrangements were complete. From history, we can see that circumstances highlight Jesus’ providential arrival time.

• The first-century world (for example, the Magi and their followers), as well as the Jews, expected someone from Judea to arise and govern the world.
• An empire-wide familiarity with Latin and Greek allowed communication among various people groups.
• Social conditions such as the Pax Romana (Roman peace) minimized the threat of war, permitting freedom of movement and the growth of prosperity and stability.
• A vast road network made travel possible throughout the empire.

The timing of Jesus’ birth was neither chance nor coincidence but coincided with people’s readiness and ability to spread the Gospel. God’s timetable shows his wisdom and sovereignty.

What Are You Waiting For?

What are you waiting for this Christmas? Since we know God always comes at the proper time with just what we need, maybe he’s waiting on us to align our hearts with his, to desire his will more than ours. The wait forces us to recognize we’re not in charge. 

God’s delay isn’t his denial, but he may postpone granting our request to test our faith or teach us patience. His waiting room can be a cleansing and character-building place, an incubator for our growing faith. 

These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!

Habakkuk 2:3 TLB

Are you waiting on God, or is he waiting on you? Even though desperation may grip our souls, Christmas reminds us that our omnipotent, omniscient God always acts at the right time in the right way. Today is the day to let the Savior reign in your heart, revealing his power and presence in your life as you rest in him.

Let us join with our brothers and sisters around the world in seeking the peace that only the Prince of Peace can bring to our troubled world.

All Scriptures are from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.