Jesus, the Reason for the Season

"And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, 'Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.' And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them." Luke 2:15-20

With Christmas Day just a little more than a week away, you've probably been saturated with your annual dose of Christmas carols and holiday tunes from the radio, from the stores in which you've shopped, and the church Christmas programs you've attended. Some holiday songs hold very little meaning. Some bring no honor to the occasion of Christ's birth, while many would lead you to believe that Christ has nothing at all to do with the celebration.

How fortunate we are that the preacher and hymn write Charles Wesley penned this beautiful poem. Let its meaning guide you through the day with an expectation and heart filled with adoration for Christ.

"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 along;
By Thine all-sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne."