Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Today I just wanted to share my favorite song for the season...

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 own sufficient merit
Raise us to Thy glorious throne

Last night I sat on the couch with my kids staring at the Christmas tree lights and praising the Lord for what a sweet gift of family that He has given to us.  As we celebrated advent together, decorated the tree, and read through verses and stories about Jesus coming, I just pray that my kids will know to cherish the gift of Jesus.  And I pray that for myself.  These past few months have been nothing if not distracting... worries and fears, sickness, changes of plans.  We have felt hard the burden of having kids with other birth moms and what it looks like to share time and the responsibility of raising children with others who don't necessarily agree with us.  I have been worried about our twins coming and for their health and well-being.  We have had sickness and what felt like endless days having to be laid up around the house.  It has made everyone just a little more irritable and impatient.

"From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee"

I feel peace wash over me as I read that line.  Things are not how I would have planned them.  Things are still in upheaval with the government putting Puerta de Esperanza on hold.  I have had more ups and down health-wise with this pregnancy than I could have imagined and have spent more days laying in bed than I would have wanted.  I want to be up making Christmas ornaments with my kids, leading Bible study with the girls, playing with all the little ones, continuing relationships with those who have left.  

But HE is my rest.  From all my fears about inadequacy, potential baby health issues, failure... he has released me.  From all my sins of impatience, frustration, lack of faith... he has forgiven me.  Praise Him for that.

Today I pray for a longing heart... longing to know more and more of Jesus.