As we celebrate Advent this year and await the coming of Jesus as Immanuel, it makes me think of the end of Revelation too and the next to the last verse in the entire Bible:
"Yes, I am coming soon."
Amen, Come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:20
It's been a season for our family of being surrounded by hurting people. And it just has seemed that even if I stayed on my knees in prayer from dawn till dusk it just wouldn't be enough. Divorce. Abuse. Anger. Heartache. Illness. Depression. Violence. Hatred. We live in a world of hurt.
But his grace is sufficient. He knows and he cares. He even collects our tears in a bottle. And--somehow--he works all things to our benefit. He is good.
Even so, my heart is yearning for his coming. As a baby in the manger, who came to earth to be Immanuel, God with us. And as a victorious Savior called Faithful and True, riding to our rescue on a white horse--a fairy tale come true.
"Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."
Amen! I love that He is our Alpha and Omega...and Sovereign King and Faithful Father...and so much more.
I think that if anyone was hurting, God was wise to put a friend like you nearby.
Love you much,
Holly
Posted by: Holly Smith | December 04, 2007 at 07:55 AM
Alpha and Omega. Beginning and End. Yes, Come Lord Jesus. Come.
Amen.
Posted by: Susan | December 04, 2007 at 09:11 AM
Rev 22:4
...and they shall see His face!
(anticipation)
Posted by: Kimberly | December 04, 2007 at 09:42 AM
So beautifully put. We have just been decorating the house and the tree this morning and this was such a timely reminder of what its all truly about. Thanks.
Posted by: Megan | December 04, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Amen. It can all be overwhelming until you take a step back and recognize who is in control!
Posted by: Betsy | December 04, 2007 at 01:35 PM
I love that verse from about Him collecting our tears in a bottle. Can't you just see Him clutching the bottle to His chest as he weeps over us?
Posted by: Melissa @ Breath of Life | December 04, 2007 at 03:09 PM
That is very refreshing to hear Joanne. My husband and I try to keep Christmas Christ centered and sometimes we still get caught up in the "razzle dazzle" of the season. Thank you for pointing out that verse.
Posted by: Sara | December 04, 2007 at 05:31 PM
I have just finished a Bible study at church on the book of Revelation and that verse is fresh in my thoughts. However, as I read your Blog entry today....it reminded me once again how we eagerly await His return and the victorious day it will be! I,too pray for him to come soon. Thank you for sharing your heart and especially for the reminder of what is important during this season.
Posted by: Jennifer | December 04, 2007 at 06:05 PM
I feel the desperation about being surrounded by hurting people, knowing exactly what that feels like. PRAISE GOD HE is HOLY, Sovereign, all powerful. Where would I be without Him to lean on? How would I face my days without knowing who pre-ordained them? Just knowing that He knows what will happen in the next 10 minutes is such great comfort.
yes-Come LORD JESUS-be MY Lord and Savior!!!
Posted by: Beth | December 04, 2007 at 10:48 PM
Here, here!
Posted by: Amanda | December 05, 2007 at 10:40 PM
I think one of my favorite carols at Christmas is O Come O Come Emmanuel, especially these verses:
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
and Revelation 21:4 is very dear to me:
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
I have a new friend who has experienced so much loss and pain in the last two years...divorce, loss of both parents, her children growing and moving on to their own lives...it is especially awesome to walk this with her to watch how God has been Faithful to her. He is awesome.
And the congregation said...Amen. :)
Posted by: Ann | December 07, 2007 at 07:59 PM