Waiting for hundreds of years. Hundreds.
A word. Any word! Then….
Immanuel comes to dwell with us as a baby.
I love that Jesus came unlike how the religious leaders had anticipated. I love that Immanuel came without fanfare to a young girl and husband who trusted that the baby she carried was the Messiah, so they centered their world around his arrival. I love that John leapt in his mother’s womb at the nearness of Jesus. I love that He was born in a stable, among animals whom I am certain recognized His holiness. I love that He came from Bethlehem, “..small among Judah.” All of these humble beginnings are beautiful and inclusive to us all!
However, I think sometimes we forget, in the candlelit sweetness of a “Silent Night” on Christmas Eve, that Jesus’ power was not diminished - Immanuel - “God with us!” He came with power that conquers death, conquers sin, and conquers fears! He also came with gentleness, kindness, compassion, and eyes to see the unseen!
My friends, don’t wait without hope in this Advent season. Redemption comes. The Word of God made flesh in our midst. Power to conquer death, power to soften hearts.
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Jesus Comes in Power (copyright Shannan Miller 2017)
(Luke 1:79; Luke 21:28; Isaiah 40:3-5; Luke 3:5; Micah 5:2; Malachi 3:3; Zechariah 6:13; Mark 13:26; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Luke 19:10; Isaiah 9:7)
Those of you who sit in darkness,
Lift your heads, Redemption comes.
Prepare a way in the wilderness,
A highway for our God, who comes to reign in glory.
For, out of Judah comes a ruler,
as the prophets have foretold.
The King and Great High Priest the same,
He will sit as a refiner
to purity our hearts in his Name.
Jesus comes in power,
the Word of God made flesh in our midst.
True justice and righteousness
comes to seek and save the lost,
and His Kingdom shall never end.
Every valley shall be raised up,
Every mountain be made low.
Rough places shall be leveled -
The crooked roads made straight, and the glory of the Lord will unfold.
Jesus comes in power,
the Word of God made flesh in our midst.
True justice and righteousness
comes to seek and save the lost,
and His Kingdom shall never end.
So, awaken, O sleeper!
Jesus came for our salvation
and He will come again in glory,
then in a twinkling of an eye, when the last trumpet sounds,
we shall all be changed, and lifted up into the sky.
Jesus comes in power,
the Word of God made flesh in our midst.
True justice and righteousness
comes to seek and save the lost,
and His Kingdom shall never end.