Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus!

I am really looking forward to Christmas this year.  Not just Christmas though, but the entire Advent season.  Maybe it's simply because I'm ready to go to the US and see our families (we land on December 20!).  Or maybe it's because Judah is fun to shop for this year.  Or maybe it's because, in this particular environment, we are reminded daily just how desperately we need Jesus and we long more and more for Him to come - as only He can respond to the needs of those around us.  

I heard recently someone quote John Piper as saying, “[Advent is] patient waiting and hopeful expectation [of Christ's coming].”  They continued with, "It's acknowledging our in-betweeness. We live in this already but not yet."

Yes!  That is where we are right now.  We are in this in-betweenness:  Between France and the United States; presently in Lesvos, yet actively preparing for our year-long HMA; having lived nearly 5 years abroad, unsure of where we will land when we return; caring for an active toddler while waiting for our second child to arrive; seeking to meet the immediate needs of those around us without having any long-term solutions.

For the last few days this song has been running through my head as a prayer.  

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 earth Thou art;

Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,

Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.

What are you doing to celebrate this Advent season?  What causes you to most long for Christ's coming?   

6 month old Judah