Sunday, December 14

Sunday, December 14
Third Week of Advent
Joy

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.

In 1744, Charles Wesley was preaching the Gospel throughout England.
Between his engagements, he passed children in great need—orphans
doing what they had to do to survive on the streets or in menial labor. It’s
not hard to picture how they looked at Charles as he exited churches full of
well-dressed Christians. The awkward disharmony of preaching the Good
News and witnessing such poverty all around him sparked a longing in
Charles to see this upside-down world overturned, and he was inspired to
write the hymn we pray with today, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”

Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, we sing in the
second verse. In the hungry eyes looking at him, Charles saw the face of
Christ, who was also born into a poor family seeking shelter—a child who
was also a king. We join him to pray for our long-expected Lord to come
to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.

Prayer for Morning
Jesus, you are our strength and consolation, the joy of every longing heart. Help me to recognize you in your coming to me today, especially as you are present with those who suffer. Holy One, deliver me from evil.

Ponder Today
What conflict and disharmony do I notice in my corner of the world?

Prayer for Evening
Jesus, you are the hope of all the earth and the desire of every nation. Only
you can release me from fear and sin. Meet me in my longing for you and
free me. Holy One, I find my rest in you.