Face-to-Face

In just a few days, my three adorable granddaughters will be coming for Christmas. It’s been over six months since I’ve held them and giggled with them and seen them face-to-face. And although Skype and texting keep us connected, the personal, skin-to-skin, eye-to-eye connection has no comparison.

As I anticipate their coming and get ready for their visit, I ponder the lyrics of Joy Williams’ song “Wish”. I, too, wish I could have seen Jesus as a tiny babe, had watched Him take His first steps, had heard His first words, and had enjoyed His giggle. And what about those “silent years” of Scripture from His birth to when He was twelve, and then the silence from twelve to thirty?

What was Jesus like as a teenager? As a young man? It must have been a wonderful to hold Him, to play with Him as a child, to be His neighbor, to see Him walk on water. Oh, how I wish I could’ve been there!

Yet, one day, we will see Him face-to-face, and all those tiny glimpses of His presence as we live on this earth will become nothing compared to how we will know Him—one day. May His presence be yours today and throughout this holiday season, and may you catch a glimpse of Him in the lyrics of this song, today, and every day.

Wish

By Joy Williams

For just a moment I wish I could have been there

to see your first step

to hear your very first word.

Tell me, did you ever fall and scrape your knee?

Did you know your wounds would one day heal the world?

For just one moment, I wish I could have seen you growing,

learning the ways of a carpenter’s son.

Just a little boy gazing at the stars.

Did you remember creating every one?

If you passed by would I see a child or a king

or would I have known?

[Chorus:]

I wish I could have been there

My only wish is to see you face to face.

I wish I could have been there

just to see you Jesus face to face.

For just one moment I wish I could have been there

when you left your footprints upon the waves.

To walk along beside you and never look away

just your whisper and the wind and sea obey.

To see you feed the people

to feel the healing in your touch.

I wish I could have been there.

[Chorus]

To hear you pray in the garden alone

laying down your will with each tear.

To see you walk that lonely road

willing to die for me.

And in that

moment I know I should have been there.

You took my cross and gave your life.

But you live again!

I wish I could have been there

I wish that I could have seen you rise again.

I wish I could have been there

My only wish is to see you face to face.

Someday I’ll be there

I’m gonna be there

I’ll see your face

your mercy and grace

someday

Someday I’m gonna see you Jesus face to face.