Do it again, daddy!

They were simply playing. Dad was pushing his child on the swings. He pushed a little harder and his son went higher. Do it again daddy rang out across the playground.

They had been swinging for close to an hour. I wondered if dad was getting tired. As I watched, I realized no, he wasn’t. He was delighting in his son’s joy. Ready and willing to do it again daddy. For as long as it took.

How our Lord is like that!

In his 2^nd letter, Peter writes to a church, a group of believers who had grown weary. They were waiting, expecting Jesus to return imminently, within their lifetime. He writes these words to them:

“But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent…. And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.” (2 Peter 3:8-9, 15a)

These words come on the December 23^rd daily reading of the Chronological Bible. It seems fitting that we read these words as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. Every year the world pauses to celebrate this season. Not everyone recognizes Christ as Savior, not everyone gathers on Christmas Eve to usher in the Christ child, not everyone believes. But Christmas touches the whole world regardless of your faith.

Christmas is God’s patient answer to do it again daddy. The same stories, the same songs, the same message year after year after year. Does God ever grow weary of repeating Himself?

No! He will do it for as long as it takes.

Christmas is a time for believers to remember and affirm our faith. It is a time that reminds us of the unfailing and everlasting love of God. And God delights in those who gather to hear the stories, sing the songs and celebrate the Savior.

But he doesn’t do it again for us.

He does Christmas again, and again, and again for those whom He is patiently waiting for. This might be the 1000^th time we have heard the story, but it might be the first time for someone else.

As I join my sisters and brothers in Christ this year, across the world, in celebrating the birth of our Savior, I will raise my heartfelt praise and worship to God, thankful that He did it again for me.

Let us all join in prayer for those who need to hear the Christmas message for the first time. Let us join in prayer for those whom God patiently waits.

Let us declare with joy

Do it again, Daddy.

Christmas Love and blessings,

Denise