For hundreds of years, the world waited.

Long before shepherds heard angels or Magi watched a wandering star, God was quietly preparing the stage for an extraordinary moment in history. The Nativity did not begin in Bethlehem; it began in Eden.

From the beginning, through prophets, angels, and God himself, we knew that one day a child would come to crush darkness forever.

Through time, generations passed, empires rose and fell, and prophets spoke hope into the silence. Isaiah declared, " ...the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). Micah revealed that small, unnoticed Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the everlasting ruler (Micah 5:2).

Slowly, quietly, God was aligning every detail, every life, every moment for what would come next.

And then, when the right time came (Galatians 4:4), heaven stirred again. Gabriel appeared to Zechariah (Luke 1:13) and told him that a son, John, would be given to him. Then Gabriel appeared to Mary with an announcement that would change the world: "You will… call His name Jesus" (Luke 1:31).

An angel steadied Joseph's heart (Matthew 1:20–21), and a census moved them toward Bethlehem. A star rose in distant skies, catching the eyes of wise men (Matthew 2:2).

Shepherds watched their flocks beneath the evening's cloak of darkness, unaware that the night was moments away from bursting with glory (Luke 2:8-14).

Today, on December 23 — the eve before the eve — we feel that symbolism deeply.

As the light falls away and darkness settles, it mirrors the world into which Christ came. It reminds us that the genuine Light shines in the most profound darkness (John 1:5). And because we trust God, who is always faithful in his promises, the darkness does not frighten us; it prepares us to recognize the Light.

And as we look toward tomorrow night, we remember this:

The Nativity isn't a place — it's an action. It is the moment God entered our world in flesh and breath. What we visualize in our manger scenes is only a picture of the far greater reality: God coming near.

So tonight, we stand in the hush before the miracle.

The prophecies are spoken.

The world is stilled.

The darkness has gathered.

Where in your life do you sense God preparing something beneath the surface, even if you can’t see it clearly yet?

John 1:5 says the Light shines in the darkness. What “darkness” in your world needs the Light of Christ this Christmas?

Identify one area of your life where you feel “in the hush before the miracle.” Write down a promise from Scripture that speaks directly to that area, and keep it visible this week as a reminder of God’s faithful timing.

Jesus, thank you for being the light that no darkness can overcome. As I stand in these days leading up to Christmas, I open my eyes to see how you are drawing near. Help me trust your timing, promises, and gentle presence. Prepare my heart to welcome you again—fully, humbly, and with awe. Amen.