Waiting With Joy and Hope
A Christmas devotional
By Simon Mafunda
Christmas is not only the celebration of Christ’s birth—it is also a reminder of the deep theology of waiting. God’s people waited centuries for the promised Messiah, and when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, that waiting was fulfilled with joy and hope. Today, we too are called to wait—not in despair, but in joyful expectation of God’s promises.
Have you ever waited for something for so long that when it finally arrived, the joy was overwhelming? Growing up in rural Zimbabwe, I vividly remember my mother promising that I would visit the city for the first time once schools closed for the holidays. The anticipation was overwhelming–I often struggled to sleep for days. Waiting three weeks felt as though I were enduring three long years.
The prophets foretold the coming of Christ: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6). Israel waited through generations, often in exile and hardship, yet hope was sustained by God’s word. This teaches us that waiting is not wasted time—it is sacred preparation.
There is joy in the fulfillment of God’s Promise. When the angels announced Christ’s birth, they declared: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Joy is not dependent on circumstances, but on the certainty of God’s faithfulness. The shepherds rejoiced because the Savior had come, showing us that joy springs from God’s presence.
Our hope should always be forward-looking. Simeon, who had been waiting for the “consolation of Israel,” held the infant Jesus and proclaimed: “My eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30). His hope was fulfilled, yet it pointed forward to the redemption Christ would accomplish on the cross and in the resurrection. Likewise, we wait with hope for Christ’s second coming, trusting His promise: “I will come again and will take you to myself” (John 14:3).
Our Call Today
Waiting with joy and hope means trusting God’s timing, even when prayers seem unanswered. It means rejoicing in small glimpses of His kingdom breaking into our world. It means living as people of hope, shining light in darkness because we know the Savior has come and will come again.
When you face delays, remember God is working behind the scenes.
When you feel discouraged, choose joy by recalling God’s past faithfulness.
When the world feels dark, live as a beacon of hope, pointing others to Christ.
Christmas teaches us that waiting is not passive—it is active faith. We wait with joy because Christ has already come, and we wait with hope because He will come again.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You that in Your birth our waiting turned into joy, and in Your promise our hope is secure. Teach us to trust Your timing, rejoice in Your presence, and live as people of hope until You come again in glory. May our waiting be filled with faith, our hearts with joy and our lives with light. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.