We walked or ran or trudged or flailed about, straining towards hope and here we've come to the last month of the year two thousand twenty. I can think of no better way to ready our hearts for advent - that season when we acknowledge our longing for more than what we have found here in the beautiful chaos of planet Earth. Much has been said by wiser ones than I about this profound mystery - the peace that comes when we kneel in submission to the baby born to be King. Perhaps, you, like I, can use some reminding of what all this suffering and, in fact this season, is about. I'd be quite delighted for you to reflect with me on these words of beauty as we consider together the gift that was, is, and is yet to come, Christ Jesus, Emmanuel, "God With Us." Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth; Ye who sang creation’s story Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.
Shepherds, in the field abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night, God with us is now residing; Yonder shines the infant light:
Sages, leave your contemplations, Brighter visions beam afar; Seek the great Desire of nations; Ye have seen His natal star.
Saints, before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear; Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His temple shall appear.
Sinners, wrung with true repentance, Doomed for guilt to endless pains, Justice now revokes the sentence, Mercy calls you; break your chains.
Though an Infant now we view Him, He shall fill His Father’s throne, Gather all the nations to Him; Every knee shall then bow down:
All creation, join in praising God, the Father, Spirit, Son, Evermore your voices raising To th’ eternal Three in One.
Come and worship! Come and worship!
Worship Christ, the newborn King.
- James Montgomery, 1816
Grace and Peace to you in this and every season. Merry Christmas!
Wish Warmest Wishes from Jen and her family
Comments