Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – An Advent Hymn Story

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On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine.COME THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUSCharles Wesley wrote 7500 hymns! One of them is this week’s featured advent hymn story. You can hear it here: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. This hymn was first published in 1744 as part of small collection of poems called “Hymns for the Nativity of our Lord.” In 1830 Welshman Rowland Prichard put the words to the tune “Hyfrydol” which means “good cheer.”Take the time to read and ponder the words. The first verse stresses that Jesus’ coming fulfilled Israel’s deep yearning for the Messiah.I love the word in the second verse, “Born a child and yet a King.” That line alone is enough to empower my Advent devotional time with Lord.Come, Thou long expected JesusBorn to set Thy people free;From our fears and sins release us,Let us find our … [Read more...]

Christmas Cards – Fun Trivia about this Potential Spiritual Practice

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My hand cramps and I grow tired of repeating the same message. I refuse to cave into creating a form letter, so I still handwrite Christmas greeting cards. What have I learned about his holiday ritual?My attitude determines how this practice either blesses me or drags me into the hole of too much to do during the holidays.So each year I try to organize early and write about ten cards a day. The key ingredient is prayer. As I begin the card, I pray for the recipient and then seal it with prayer also. Calming balm for my attitude and I hope healing comfort for my friends.The First Christmas CardOne story about the origin of Christmas Card, which originated in England over 150 years ago, tells that Sir Henry Cole wanted to send greeting to those he knew for the purpose of encouraging his friends to help the destitute during this holiday. He commissioned John Calcott Horesley to paint the first commercial Christmas card showing the feeding and clothing of the poor. The initial reaction to … [Read more...]

In Quietness is Your Strength – Lectio Divina

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        In quietness and trust is your strength Isaiah 30:15bIn quietnessLord, I live in a noisy world. Far from the quiet where Your strength lies.I know when I withdrawn – as Jesus modeled for us – to spend time with You,    to rest in You,        to hear your whisper –             I am refreshed, renewed, and stronger.The clamor of my world blares and distracts me from You.My ego chatters incessantly filling me with self doubt and despair.Lord, help me leave this racket behind and follow you into quietness.The hush of your presence creates a safe room abundant with peace and love. With no words ever spoken, You still my heart.Nestling under your plush down duvet of love and I snuggle into your arms for much needed rest. In quietness of spending time with You, I trust and gain strength. Thank you, gentle and tranquil Lord. … [Read more...]

O Come O Come Emmanuel – Hymn Story

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On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine.     O Come O Come Emmanuel Emmanuel – even the sound of this word evokes peace within me. Emmanuel – “God is with us” – Doesn’t that just amaze you that God Himself stays with us? Advent is a time of welcoming, anticipation, and waiting. Our prayers rise up, “O come, please come and be with us, Lord. O come, Emmanuel.” This name, which Matthew refers to in his Gospel (Matthew 1:23), was first given to Jesus by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before His birth (Isaiah 7:14). “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is a favorite hymn to sing during Advent. Its history originates in the medieval Roman Catholic Church. This mournful melody was originally a Plainsong or Chant, which is the earliest form of singing in the church. It is believed that the traditional music … [Read more...]

Christmas at Maxwell’s – Movie Review and DVD Give-Away

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Looking for the miracle and magic of Christmas? Leave behind the hassle and hustle of being rushed this season and spend a few hours with your family enjoying a Christmas movie. I recommend watching Christmas at Maxwell’s. I met Tiffany Lauffer at a writer’s conference a few months ago and we immediately became friends. As we got to know each other, she shared that she produced, along with her father William, this movie. How cool is that!Not only is this a good Christian family story, but Christmas at Maxwell's is also a Dove Foundation Award winning holiday film filled with messages of faith, hope, and love. The movie features the Austin family and the tremendous changes they are experiencing. Andrew Austin has everything – two amazing children, a successful business, and a wonderful wife. But life and a past secret bring change and in an instant, life no longer has the order and gentleness it once held. His wife, Suzie, becomes extremely ill and as Andrew struggles to find answers, … [Read more...]

Trusting God – Lectio Divina

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I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 (NIV)My God, in whom I trust.Lord, all I cling to is my trust in You.You are all I have.You are all I need.The world disappoints.Friends and family scatter.My own weaknesses trip me up once again.Yet You are always there for me. You are my safe haven, my firm foundation.Forgive me when I withhold my entire trust in You. I am battered by the world and my own self-doubt distracts me from fully relying on You.  I think at the last minute I can do it myself. Or Superman will swoop down and rescue me, changing all of my circumstances.Yes the truth is, Lord, all I have is You and You are enough.I do believe in Your goodness.I do believe in Your love.I do believe in You.Fill me each day with Your faith so I am say with my whole being: I trust in You, Lord. … [Read more...]