In obedience we do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together to sing. O holy night! the stars are brightly shining; it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope–the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! O night divine!  “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 Truly Jesus taught us by example to love  others as we are loved; His law requires extending forgiveness, His gospel is peace. All chains He breaks, and in His name all oppression ceases. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus we raise; let all within us praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever! His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim! O night divine! O night, divine!

Sing praise ” Above all powers, above all kings, above all nature and all created things. Above all wisdom and all the ways of man—You were here before the world began — Above all kingdoms, above all thrones, above all wonders the world has ever known. Above all wealth and treasures of the earth — there’s no way to measure what You’re worth — Crucified, laid behind a stone, You lived to die, rejected and alone. Like a rose, trampled on the ground, You took the fall and thought of me, above all — Above all powers, above all kings, above all nature and all created things. Above all wisdom and all the ways of man, You were here before the world began — Like a rose, trampled on the ground, You took the fall and thought of me above all.

With advanced expectation:
1) LOVE is who God is.
2) HOPE in His coming.
3) PEACE is His Hope within.
4) JOY as we prepare Him room in our hearts by self examination and elimination through prayer and thanksgiving. REJOICE and celebrate the expectation of what He is bringing in advance of His 2nd coming. Keep praying, keep believing, keep expecting to hear the trumpet blast. Our God of all power is coming in all His glory. Be ready, be on fire, keep the hope alive for all to witness.

Expect those prodigals to return to the truth that Jesus is Lord. Be Merry! Why? Because Christ MUST express through our HOPE in HIM. John the Baptist was telling of His coming when he looked up and saw that Immanuel was already here! Isaiah 40:3 “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord ; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’ Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low — the GLORY of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” ❤️ A prophecy yet to be fulfilled and a tradition that rejoices as we expect Yeshua, our Messiah to RETURN. JESUS is the reason for a season, a time, for HIS set apart people.

The Advent Season is all about Love, Hope, and such surprising Peace.  There is great Joy as Emmanuel, God is with us — all year. Week #1 light up like a candle with purpose to shine His holy presence. Thankful for His ongoing grace and provision. Week #2 choose to concentrate on the certain HOPE we have in His Word, and promises. Week #3 be renewed in His Word. Week #4 Rejoice in the JOY of the Lord. Then on Christmas Eve, we light the white candle. “Christ in us, His hope for glory.” A tradition of thoughtful  reflections of His lavish provision, and the power and purpose of the birth of Jesus. ❤️ Celebrate all year.

Silent night, holy night, all is calm and all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar.  Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia. Christ the Savior is born! Son of God, love’s pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face. With the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus is Lord, at His birth. AMEN

Jonathan Edwards