--by Rev. Ralph Manuel -- “He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives.” (Isaiah 61:1)  December is a time of expectation and of celebration.

 Expectation during the Advent season, when we remember those in times past who were looking forward to the coming of the promised Messiah, while we at the same time look forward to Christ’s promised return for us. Celebration during the Christmas season, as we joyously commemorate Jesus’s birth as the fulfillment of the long-awaited promise of the Messiah, sent by God to set us free from our sins.

On Sunday, December 18, our Heritage Choir and Orchestra will be presenting Night of the Father’s Love, a musical written by Pepper Choplin, during the morning worship service. This beautiful musical encompasses both the expectation aspect and the celebration aspect of this time of year. You will not want to miss this experience.

Also make plans to attend our church’s Christmas Eve family candlelight service, on Saturday, December 24, at 7:00 p.m. Communion will be celebrated during this meaningful time of worship, which features lots of music.

To God be the glory,

Ralph

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One of the best-known hymns of the Advent season (as distinct from the Christmas season) is “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” Charles Wesley wrote this hymn and printed it in his Hymns for the Nativity of our Lord (1744). Like so many of Wesley's texts, "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" alludes to one or more Scripture passages in virtually every phrase. The double nature of Advent is reflected in this text, in which we remember Christ's first coming even while praying for his return. Stanza 1 recalls Advent prophecies in the Old Testament; the first part of stanza 2 speaks of Christ's birth and kingdom, while the second part of that stanza is a prayer for Christ's rule in our hearts.

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.