To: those still awake.

It was so hard to wait.

When the milk we picked up from the grocery store would expire after Christmas I knew we were getting close.

Homemade countdown chains and hour charts helped me through the last few days of school before Christmas break, then it was off to Parowan.

Christmas Eve in Parowan was one of my favorite days.

I remember play and laughter with cousins frequently interrupted by quick trips to check the time on the digital clock on the microwave or kitchen stove.

The minutes went slowly.

Even backwards sometimes.

It was so hard to wait.

It’s still hard.

I can’t sleep.

Maybe you are still awake too.

I can’t wait for the big smiles I know are coming.

But there is beauty in this waiting time.

Magic even.

Do you think it’s hard for Jesus?

He gives the best gifts.

He is the Best Gift.

Nephi prayed, broken-hearted on behalf of a people who saw signs and believed in a Savior. (3 Nephi 1)

“Will you come?” he asked.

“Tomorrow,” Jesus replied.

I wonder if it was hard not to come today.

Joshua was called to be the prophet after Moses.

He carried a heavy mantle.

Joshua said,

Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the Lord will do wonders among you. (Joshua 3:5)

Parted rivers and promised lands waited for Joshua and his people.

Tomorrow.

I bet it was hard for Him not to do such wonders today.

I saw a picture that took my breath away.

It showed a boy hunched over his work, face frustrated and focused.

Angels in the top corner of the frame flew to his aid but were held back by one with arms open wide.

The Art by Brian Kershisnik is titled

“Divine Intervention”.

Waiting isn’t easy.

I think sometimes Heaven holds even the Divine Son at bay.

The blessings will come.

But not today.

Tomorrow.

Divine Intervention.

Because the perfect gifts come at the perfect times.

I bet He stays up late.

On Christmas Eves.

Looking forward to smiles.

To carefully planned and packaged Gifts.

I don’t know on which tomorrow those long awaited blessings will come.

But I bet He stays up late.

Preparing.

I bet He lies awake, too excited to sleep.

Because tomorrow, He will come.

And He will bring all the wonder.

So for those still awake, waiting on tomorrows,

He is not asleep either.

And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. (Isaiah 25:9)
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Happy even.

Merry Christmas.