That Christmas Ache

From Alicia Bruxvoort:

"Next time that yuletide yearning shows up like an awkward guest,
we don't need to let it steal our joy; we can simply let it stir our hope. Because God's promises are clear -- one day, our Advent ache will turn into eternal awe.   Until then, we can let it remind us that the best is yet to come.

Dear Jesus, sometimes I'm discouraged by the longing in my heart. Would you use Your Word to turn my awkward ache  into eager anticipation?  And help  me to stand firm in hope until I see You face to face. In Jesus' Name, Amen."


*For many hundreds of years the church celebrated Jesus' first coming to Bethlehem and also His future coming to reign - both
celebrated together at Christmastime.

One significant result of remembering both is many of our Christmas carols. For example, Joy to the World. Notice the words. They are about His future second coming, not His birth at Bethlehem!

Joy to the world! The Lord is come.

Let earth receive her King

Let every heart  prepare Him room 

and heaven and nature sing!

Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns. 

Let all their songs employ

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sound joy!

No more let sins and sorrow grow, 

nor thorns infest the ground

He comes to  make His blessings flow

far as the curse is found!

He rules the world with truth and grace 

and makes the  nations prove
The glories of His righteousness 
and wonders of His Love!

                                                 -- By Isaac Watts