“Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” Isaiah 49:23b
A popular song from the 60s asked the question: “Is that all there is?” Do you ever experience that same emotion once the busy holiday season passes? Despite your best efforts and expectations to make it a memorable, magical season, it often turns out to be just one more furious blizzard of activity followed by an avalanche of bills come January.
In many cases our unrealistic expectations set us up for a profound disappointment once the holidays are over. The popular culture portrays images of families on sleigh rides in the country, warm and glowing parties where everyone is welcomed and no one is sad, and families reveling in laughter and love in ornately-decorated living rooms.
Relieve yourselves right now of the pressure to have the perfect holiday–the proverbial White Christmas in Vermont. Instead, base your expectations on who Jesus is. The majestic Christmas Carol “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” points to Jesus your Deliverer, your Emancipator, your Rescuer. Truly, we can expect great things from Him.
This “Long Expected Jesus” is our Hope as we find our satisfaction in the Lord, rather than expecting fulfillment from the parties, tinsel, and lights. This song not only speaks about the expectation that God’s people had for a Savior and Deliverer, but also our expectation, as we wait for him to return again. This Christmas, celebrate the fact that Jesus loved you last year, loves you this year, and will love you forever. You won’t be disappointed. Promise.
“I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18: 1-3
Click here to read the words and hear the music for Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.
About Cheryl Moeller
Cheryl Moeller has been married to her best friend Bob for 30 years. They are the parents of six children, one son-in-law, and three lively dogs. She uses her over-the-counter-top stand up comedy at women's groups and retreats, prays like it's her full-time job, writes a syndicated humor column, blogs about life with lots of kids at www.momlaughs.blogspot.com, and authors books such as Keep Courting: 100 Ways to Keep Courting After Marriage (purchase on their website) and Marriage Miracle (Harvest House 2010). Bob and Cheryl's passion is to connect two hearts for a lifetime. They have co-founded For Better For Worse For Keeps Ministries www.bobandcherylmoeller.com.
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