Christmas Day 2020

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, is a hymn remembered by those who have a long history of church-going.  The weeks before Christmas are called the Advent Season, while the world recalls the waiting for the Messiah to come.  While the wait is over, for many the wait has been for a festive time of commercialism, gift-giving, and parties, but has missed the overarching pieces of the event.

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

The Bible tells us that the Jesus who we know of is God and He left the glory of heaven to be born as a poor child in the poor war torn country to bring life to fallen mankind. His sinless life, led to His purposeful sacrifice on a cross for our sake, but for the further opportunity to live in His kingdom while we are still here on earth in preparation for our eternity in heaven with God.

This hymn reminds us that the freedom He gives cannot be bound by man, nor do we have to wait until we are in heaven to live the life focused on life with Him today.  We can if we choose live different from the world with our life centered on Jesus, giving rise to a life of godly fruit before everyone.

For the fruit of the Spirit of God is:
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and yes Self Control.

Have a Jesus blessed and Jesus infused  Christmas and life.