Oh, you know how I love language fun. I also know that many think I'm just plain weird on this. Bear with me...
"Advent" — a word used in respect to the (first) coming of Christ, or "Christmas". The word itself means "arrival", or "coming". But attaching the suffix "-ure" makes things even more interesting, as "-ure" means "process". Combine the two, and you have "the process of arriving". Hmm?...
We know that Messiah's "first advent" is complete, a historical fact, not to mention an "adventure" of epic proportions, with eternal implications. But process?! Yes, I am playing with words and word parts here, but maybe for an important reason, because, you see, we live in a broken world, and everyday is a small but not insignificant part of our often difficult processing through this brief, mortal, pre-eternity life. In this light, I share the following.
Recent, personal life challenges have given me cause to reflect on how I might best glorify my Creator-Redeemer in the "-ure" of this year's Advent Season. Christmas's amazing juxtaposition of great joy to all comers, which comes out of unparalleled sacrifice and pain, speaks to my own wrestlings with, and determination to walk honorably & victoriously in the Light. From this, a song was born.
I share the lyrics of that song with you here, in hopes that if your Advent "-ure" is sagging a bit right now, that as you read, perhaps you might experience anew — or even for the first time — the true Christmas Peace. Noel Shalom!
CHRISTMAS PEACE, by Brian H. Barlow, c 2024 Obededom Records
(1) Snow keeps on falling…wintertime — when will these cold winds cease?
Sages foretellings now align; lying in a manger, Christmas Peace.
Longing and waiting, a pilgrim plea;
mercy for the lowly…for such as me?
(2) Heavenly herald, unveils the Sign — long-promised Peace is here.
Infant Messiah, heav’ns design; all you weak and weary come, draw near.
Calming, healing this cold unease;
Christ, my Ebenezer, my Christmas Peace. .
(Chorus) All of my longings
are met in Thee.
New wonder dawning —
reviving, exciting, my Christmas peace.
3) The tension is thawing, near the Son — Cap-tive’s soon release.
Hear a voice call-ing, “Will you come?” Heaven’s intervention, jubilee!
Angels’ anthem, it beckons me.
Joining in the chorus, comes Christmas peace!
(Chorus) All of my longings
are met in Thee.
New wonder dawning —
reviving, exciting, sweet Christmas peace.
(4) The Light is still shining, come and see —
Sing! an Advent chorus: Christmas Peace!
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