Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

There is something about a hymn that will tear through all the layers I've pulled over my heart and pierce me. Today I went to church with Claire and it put together a lot of things I've been thinking about lately. Humanism in Christianity, how religion isn't a dirty word despite its bad reputation-- Jesus followed traditions, Jesus didn't hate organized religion- he hated hypocrisy. He didn't abolish the synagogue-- He completed the things God set up. God set up traditions, rememberances, etc. I miss the awe and reverence of churches that don't feel the need to be relevant. Jesus Christ is always relevant. And He is the message.

I think it's really easy to get caught up in "loving" people and forget that the most loving thing you can do for anyone is introduce them to God by your actions AND words. We forget that the power is in Christ, not ourselves. "For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." I've been thinking about how the things I'm cynical about need to sharpen me to hope, pray, and change. Knowing God. That's the call. To love, to worship, to become Theocentric- not self-absorbed. It's hard, it's bloody, it calls for the death of myself... and that's a scary thing no matter how much my Spirit yearns for it.

Sometimes I forget. Sometimes I'm blind. Sometimes I choose look away, more content with mud pies than a holiday at sea. But God, He's relentless. He refuses neutrality, He will not allow anything but Himself to satisfy me. I long for the consolation of Jesus. I had completely forgotten about Advent. About the longing for God, for the Redeemer and Saviour to come. It's so beautiful. How do I ever forget the cost of Christ taking human form, that God should be humbled on my behalf for love of me? It's amazing. And when I stop looking at myself in introspection I am overwhelmed by His greatness. That wonder and awe and worship and light return. I am so thankful for His presence.

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 saints Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Come Thou long-awaited Emmanuel.

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.

Come Thou long-awaited Emmanuel.