O Come Let Us Adore

I dreamt of the end of the world.

It was Advent, so naturally, Amy Grant”s and Michael W. Smith’s Christmas albums were in our six-CD stereo on repeat. I was long past the age of standing on the couch, belting out my own falsetto with the dramatic choir numbers, but the familiar hymns still got me to sing along. I knew every word.

We baked cookies that day, the sugar kind. This name always catches me off guard a bit – aren’t all cookies sugar cookies? I’ve yet to meet a (true) cookie that isn’t sugary. Icing bags strewn around the kitchen table, rogue sprinkles bouncing on the wooden top. I tried too hard to make mine look professional (my mom’s were always perfect) and hyperbolic tears welled up in my eyes when I couldn’t get a few just-right. But the joyousness of the season kept the dampness at bay. We arranged the cookies on trays to take to church for Christmas Eve munching and cleaned the kitchen.

The rest of the day was probably filled with other preparations, but I don’t remember what. We probably said prayers as a family and I walked upstairs to my bedroom. I mostly likely turned on the light and pulled out my latest book and read until far too late in the evening before finally turning out the light and going to sleep.

All of a sudden, voices were singing loud and clear, like the jolt of sitting in a dark theatre and hearing the strong opening notes for a symphony or musical.

Sing, choirs of angels. Sing in exultation. Sing all ye citizens of heaven above.

The scene unfolded before me: brilliant colors everywhere. Volcanoes erupting. Simultaneous terror and awe.

Glory to God, all glory in the highest.

Everything was opening up, nature was exulting its creator.

O come let us adore him, o come let us adore him. O come let us adore him: Christ the Lord.

I woke up, a little more frightened of the night. But, strangely comforted and a little sad the brilliance had ended.

In Advent, we celebrate the coming of Christ. But not just the sweet baby in the dirty manger surrounded by animals and their unpleasant smells. We also look to the return of that king, no longer in his chosen humility, but instead in his kingly splendor. We look to the return of creation’s author.

What a blessing it is that the humble appearance of Christ took our shame and robed us in glory so that on the day of his return in glory, we have no need for fear. Instead, we may lift our voices with the choir in pure joy. The day is drawing near – who needs to hear of the humble in order to rejoice with the splendor? Share your joy today?

Verses for Meditation

Psalm 86:8-9 (AMP)

There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord,

Nor are there any works [of wonder and majesty] like Yours.

All nations whom You have made shall come and kneel down in worship before You, O Lord,

And they shall glorify Your name.

1 Chronicles 16:32 (AMP)

Let the sea roar, and all the things that fill it;

Let the field rejoice, and all that is in it.

Luke 21:36

But keep alert at all times [be attentive and ready], praying that you may have the strength and ability [to be found worthy and] to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man [at His coming].”

2 Corinthians 1:20

For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are [all answered] “Yes.” So through Him we say our “Amen” to the glory of God.

Philippians 2:6-11

Though [Christ Jesus] was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.