Day 3 – Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Have you caught yourself hoping for freedom and deliverance from this virus, this year, this life season…? I know all of us are praying for God to free our nation and the world from this disease.
As we anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth and soon return, it is wonderful to remember He is our deliverer and promises freedom for us all. The words express this so beautifully:
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
Paul explains, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 1:1)
Jesus frees us from the bondage of sin that attempts to enslave us. He frees us from anxiety and concern when we pray. He delivers us from all that plagues us if we surrender our lives to His Lordship and trust His Holy Spirit to transform our lives. But it all depends on our willingness to turn to Him and trust Him to work in our lives.
Peter encourages you, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” ( I Peter 5:7) As you listen to today’s carol, thank Him that He comes to set you free from anxiety and deliver you from evil. May we find freedom and deliverance as we live for Him each day!
“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.” (Psalm 18:1-2)
