It's finally coming...

It feels like Christmas should already be here. For one, Clint has spent the last month preaching through Luke 2. I've actually loved hearing the story of Christ's birth removed from all the hype and materialism that clouds it all every year. I've been really struck with the fact that Christ entered a world that wouldn't make room for Him (ie there was no room in the inn). And now that I have children of my own, the prophecy that Simeon makes about baby Jesus hit me as well...(Simeon to Mary)... "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Just think as the mother of Jesus what pain she must have gone through to see her son ridiculed, beaten and mocked and killed.

And for two, Noah has been asking to hear "Away in a Manger" every night, and asking to read the story about Jesus' birth. It's so sweet. He'll often talk about the "special star" that was over the place where he was born and He knows all the words to the song (I love the way South Africans sing it, its a different tune to the American one).

And Clint quoted the words to my absolute favorite Christmas hymn in a recent sermon...I've only heard it on one CD I have....but the words are just amazing. I've included it here if you wanna read :) Once again, having children of my own now, this song often makes me cry.

1. Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now reclining,
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the Infant King.
Angels are watching, stars are shining
Over the place where he is lying.
Sing lullaby!

2. Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now a-sleeping,
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the Infant King.
Soon will come sorrow with the morning,
Soon will come bitter grief and weeping:
Sing lullaby!

3. Sing lullaby!
Lullaby baby, now a-dozing,
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not wake the Infant King.
Soon comes the cross, the nails, the piercing,
Then in the grave at last reposing:
Sing lullaby!

4. Sing lullaby!
Lullaby! is the babe a-waking?
Sing lullaby!
Hush, do not stir the Infant King.
Dreaming of Easter, gladsome morning,
Conquering Death, its bondage breaking:
Sing lullaby!