The Little Boy Waiting for his Dad

Luke 1:31 (NIV)
1:31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
Matthew 11:25 (NIV)
11:25 At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Yesterday I had the great delight of driving three hours to pick up my daughter, son-in-law, and twin one year old grandchildren from Ohare. Lindsay, Pete along with twins Raewyn and Theo flew some 8 hours from England to arrive for a three week Christmas stay. I am a happy Dad and Grandpa this morning.

While at the airport I had one of those Advent moments. Waiting at the terminal where passengers come through the doors after clearing customs are all sorts of people. Most are very quiet until their loved one, or friend, or business colleague comes through the door. If it's a loved one or friend, there's the hub, sometimes kiss, or some other show of affection. The impersonal thing is the person standing to the side with a sign with either a name, or a company name, etc... I can't say it's a bad thing, but it doesn't compare with warm welcomes of family.

Yesterday while I stood waiting for my family members to arrive, a young Mom with two little children showed up. The little girl looked like she was about 18 months old. She could stand, walk, and whisper to her Mom, but definitely clung to her leg for safety. The little boy was the antithesis of his sister. About 4, I guess (I have a three year old Grandson to compare with), he arrived at the rope line and within seconds I could hear him say, "Dad, We're waiting Dad", as he, Mom, sister, like all of us stared plaintively towards the glass doors for our loved ones to make their appearance. It did not stop at that. He was quiet for all of ten to 20 seconds at a time I would guess. "Dad, Where Are You Dad", was the cry of his little mind and heart. And on and on it went. Ten minutes, twenty minutes passed...he did not give up. No one seemed to mind.

I smiled and saw the heart of the child that Jesus said was indicative of those who "got it". The little boy is undeterred in his expectancy. He does not care who is listening; and he does not mind repeatedly asking for His Dad to show up.

Advent means "arrival", "waiting in expectancy", craving Immanuel, "God with us".

His Dad walked through the door, and the little boy, oblivious to security rules and concerns, went under the ropes and ran to his arms, and his Dad swung him around in a circle and they hugged, and kissed, and all I kept hearing was "Dad, You're Here"...and it made me smile.

Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen!