Sunday, November 30, 2008
Joy of Every Longing Heart
All of humankind has a longing. We sang in our own local fellowship this morning the seasonal carol, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus." Some longings are rightly placed in Jesus. Some are misplaced,however, and then we wonder why we can go through a season of celebration as we do at Christmas, and come away with a still empty heart. It would be a set up to expect no longing; the longing is not wrong. But the hope in Christ is that He is the joy of our longing. Charles Wesley has written the words we sang today, "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." My prayer in this now dawned season of Advent is that not only will the eyes of our darkening world find Jesus, the joy of their longing, but that my own heart will be awakened, recalled, reminded, and refocused on Jesus, the joy of my longing heart.
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4 comments:
As I read this and thought on misplaced longings, I couldn't help but think how Israel longed and has continued to long for their redeemer...but because of misplaced longings...they missed the whole event!
It also makes me sad that just as advent has fallen by the wayside in so many churches and many no longer rejoice in the advent season...so also many have put aside the joy of the expectation of the return of our King.
Great comments Nancy. I spent some time in conversation with someone yesterday who does not see the need for Jesus in her life...."religion" is how she put it. She's a young mom and wife and simply does not see her need. I agree with you on Israel, and how the Lord still longs "to gather them" under His wings. We began celebrating Advent about 5 years ago again in our own church, and it has really helped us to refocus during this time. Blessings to you Nancy. Thanks for coming by!
So many have longing hearts, they just don't know for what... or should I say Who!
Kristi, sometimes even I find myself with a longing and then remember that I've been looking to other things/people to fill that place that only Jesus can fill. Yes, if we could be salt and light so that humanity could see that Jesus is the fulfillment of their longing.
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