Like Sarah, I have found a new love for hymns as I have entered my twenties that did not exist when I was younger. There is just something about their depth that brings life to my soul, and the same thing can be said of Christmas. If you read my post about fall, then you know how I feel about the end of the year and Christmas most definitely should be included in that.
The Advent season, much like hymns, is something I found boring until I really dove into it a few years ago. Now, my soul craves this time of year. A time of reflection, of renewal, of closure. Advent has become much more than just ritual for me, it’s become a necessity in my approaching each new year with reverence and excitement for what God has done and what He is going to do.
After that very lengthly intro, let’s look at the hymn “Come, Thou Universal Blessing.” In light of everything that is happening around our world, the first verse of this hymn seems so fitting.
Perfect peace and joy unceasing
Thro’ the ransom’d nations spread;
Devilish pride, and brutal passion,
Far from every heart remove;
Bless us with thy full salvation,
Bless us with thy heavenly love
Perfect peace and joy unceasing are even harder to find right now, personally for me and in our world at large. In this time of year that is suppose to be the most joyful, I find myself lacking. I know that they Bible says countless things on joy (see Psalm 27:5-7; James 1:2-3; Psalm 119:23-24; 1 Thessalonians 3:9 and over 100 more scriptures). The knowledge of seeking Christ for joy doesn’t make it any easier if it remains knowledge alone.
I’m worried about how I can buy the perfect gift for everyone on my list for about $5 total. I’m worried about how I will balance only five days back home and three Christmases that I must attend. I’m angry about all the injustice in the world. Clearly, I’m rocking the peace and joy business.
My problem is that I haven’t left Christ give me FULL salvation. I’ve allowed Him to become part of my life, an item I check off on my long list of to-dos. I haven’t allowed Him to seep into every part of my life, and that is when I will find His perfect peace and unceasing joy. I haven’t taken Philippians 4:4-9 to heart.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
I haven’t rejoiced in Christ. I haven’t focused on what is true. I haven’t gone to Christ in prayer for everything.
But, I cannot focus on all these things like more to-do’s to add to my to-do list. I need to focus on Christ and what He did by coming to earth so many years ago. Because when I focus on Him and my relationship with Him, all these other things will fall into place.
Christ first.
That is what Advent is all about. Reminding us that He is the center and in Him I have FULL salvation, UNENDING joy, and PERFECT peace.
Come, Thou Universal Blessing
Words by: Charles Wesley
Come, thou-universal Blessing,
Abraham’s long-expected Seed;
Perfect peace and joy unceasing
Thro’ the ransom’d nations spread:
Devilish pride, and brutal passion,
Far from every heart remove;
Bless us with thy full salvation,
Bless us with thy heavenly love.
Happy is the man forgiven,
This let every sinner feel;
Taste in Thee, his present heaven ;
Pant for greater blessings still;
O that all anew created,
Might thine Image here retrieve;
Then to paradise-translated,
In thy glorious presence live!
Credit: Photo by Sarah Simon // Instagram: @themintgardener
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