Today, December 23rd, is Lille Julaften, a Norwegian tradition brought to me by marrying Liv. Lille Julaften, means Little Day Before The Day Before Christmas, and, despite its name, it's a big deal!

Today we party! We feast and drink, decorate the tree, and sing carols! 

Here's how I imagine the tradition got started:

On a cold, dark winter night in medieval Norway, a recently converted viking towered over a nervous monk.

 “Why, exactly, do we have to wait?” He said, fingering the hilt of his battle axe. 

It’s not a good idea to make a recently converted viking wait for his mead, so…

 “Let’s get this party started!” The monk shouted! 

Waiting is hard

The viking in my fictional story asks a good question, even if he could have asked it with less threat of violence.

It's the question we have been asking all through Advent: “how long, O Lord, do we have to wait!?” 

It's the prayer we have been praying for 2000 years since Christ's first arrival. “Come back quickly, dear Jesus! And let justice rain down on the earth!”

Waiting is hard. 

Especially when there’s an empty chair at the Christmas table, and the news cycle feels like a dumpster fire.

So, dear reader, let's party!

I mean it.

Christ has come! And his name is Emmanuel — God with us. He is a wonderful comforter, a powerful protector. 

And Christ will come again! As sure as the sunrise, the King will come when morning dawns!

On that day, all the seats will be filled, justice will rain down from the heavens and righteousness will bear fruit! (Is 45:8).

So why, exactly, should we wait to celebrate our freedom?! Why not join the Booth family in lifting a glass tonight? And singing a praise to God our king! May I suggest this song?