Do you hear what I hear?

There is a background story I was told a long time ago. And it comes to mind every time I read this passage from Isaiah 7:14:

 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us). 

You see, then as now, people liked to gossip. And here is the juicy news; a virgin… a baby… Emmanuel (God with us). And through gossipy lips, the news spread through a world riddled with terrible times and lost hope. Emmanuel - God is with us. It’s spread from house to house. Over backyard fences. From alleys to busy city street corners. Coffee houses. And now, during our advent season. The immediacy,  the urgency of the same message carries on. Through social media and Christmas cards. Church services, music on the radio, and familiar Christmas hymns rung from church bells. O Emmanuel! God is with us! And oh, how we need to hear this now in our world as they did thousands of years ago. 

So join me in repeating the resounding joy. Let every heart prepare Him room. Let heaven and nature sing! Sing the songs together. Tell the old, old story to your children and grandchildren too. Read the greeting cards aloud. Give warm, embracing hugs. Remind people that God is still with us. Still loves us! Hope for the world. Yes. Hope. 

Hallelujah! Let's celebrate!

 Arise, shine, for your light has come,

 and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)

Picture the bride as she links arms with her daddy, ready to head down the aisle. The trembling smile. The shaking bouquet. The shared long look. Eyes sparkling. Toes tapping. All in anticipation of something that has long been dreamed, imagined, and hoped for. The long-awaited time is at hand ...

Picture the little children racing down the stairs on Christmas morn. Dancing. Hopping. Hands clapping. Eyes twinkling. Squeals of joy! Shaking with delight as to what is to come! All in anticipation of something that has long been dreamed, imagined and hoped for. The long-awaited time is at hand ...

Picture yourself breathing in and relishing the true meaning of Christmas. Body and soul practically vibrate with joyous excitement. Every sense on high alert. See the candlelight. Hear the bells. Smell the fresh-cut evergreens. Taste the special holiday treats and the touch of a loved one near ...

Come. Journey down the aisle. Dance and hop and clap your hands! Take in every trigger of enjoyment. The long-awaited time is at hand! The joyous celebration begins! The birth of Christ!