Just over 50 years ago, my little sister was born. I clearly recall my grandma’s joyful voice saying, “You have a new little baby sister!” Excitedly, I waited to see her. When my parents brought her home from the hospital, the first thing I saw was her face. How wondrously exciting to have a little sister!

I experience that same sense of excitement even today when I know I’ll see her again, be in her presence face to face.

Some 2000 years ago another baby was born. There was a star. There were shepherds with sheep. There were angels singing. Quickly, we learn that it was nighttime. Later, travelers followed the star, searching for the baby born in Bethlehem. Others sought to kill him. Jesus was born during a very dark time in human history.

As Christians, we wait with a certain sense of excitement to see Jesus, the face of God.

I have photographs of my sister I can look at between the times we are together.

We have “pictures” of Christ in hymns, scripture and people’s life stories along with the Holy Spirit to remind us of who Jesus is while we wait to see God face to face.

God, thank you for the gift of Jesus’ face in each baby, each child, each person you have created. Especially, we thank you for those people who help birth and nurture the Christ within our hearts and lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Wanda Todd