Let Earth Receive Her King

i am sitting down for the first time today.  and technically...it's not even today anymore.  it's 12:25 am and i can honestly say that we are ready.  the last present has been bought; the food has been prepared; the crafts are complete; the house is clean; and the gifts are wrapped and under the tree.

i feel satisfied. 

christmas eve is my favorite day of the year.  i love the anticipation and the laughter and the excitement...and most of all...the celebration.  on the evening of christmas eve...we celebrate Jesus' birth.  and it is absolutely wondrous.

when i was a little girl...i remember i would have such a hard time falling asleep on christmas eve...and as a mother, the excitement is still there.  i re-live it through all four kids.  i re-live it when i see the sparkle in their eyes and the wide smiles on their faces.  tonight...i let chad tuck in the boys while i grabbed the christmas dresses, tights, and christmas gowns from the girl's rooms.  i wanted everything ready for tomorrow.  i got about half way down the stairs when i remembered that i had not said goodnight to the boys.  i thought for a second about just continuing down the stairs to get to the presents that were waiting to be wrapped and the last load of laundry that needed folding...but i just couldn't let them go to sleep without kissing their heads...so i put the laundry basket down and headed back up to their rooms.  and i'm so glad i did.  i peeked into chase's room and saw him, laying in his bed, looking up at the ceiling, and smiling the biggest smile i have seen on him in a while.  both dimples were out and showing off.  when he heard me, he looked over and giggled.  i smiled and said, "what?"  and he just giggled more and said, "mom...what do you think my secret santa is giving me?"  i'm not sure if i've mentioned before that the kids drew names this year.  we are calling it "secret sibling santa."  it has been really fun to watch them get excited about what they wanted to get their brother or sister and try to guess who had whom.  and there he was...sugar plums all a-dancin, while thinking about it.  so, so wondrous.

tomorrow, we will listen to true carols of our King's birth all day.  i have been thinking a lot lately about christmas carols and how...as fun as songs, like baby, it's cold outside and rockin around the christmas tree are...there is just nothing more beautiful and worshipful than a traditional christmas carol.  the words are woven together to praise and adore Him in a way that leaves me breathless.  this season...i have been really paying attention to the words that sometimes get lost in the noise of it all.

Joy to the world...the Lord has come, let Earth receive her King.*

Whom angels greet
with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping.
This, this is Christ the King...
whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste...to bring him praise...
the babe, the son of Mary.
The King of Kings, salvation brings
let loving hearts enthrone him.**

Rejoice...rejoice...
Emmanuel shall come to thee, Oh Israel.***

To save us all from Satan's power when we have gone astray.
Tidings of comfort and joy.
That in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name
Oh tidings of comfort and joy.****

Joy to the world, for Christ the lord has finally come
let every heart receive the new born king...
oh come all of heaven and nature SING.*****

Long lay the world
in sin and error pining
till He appeared and the soul felt it's worth.
a thrill of hope
the weary world rejoices
Fall on your knees
oh hear the angel voices
oh night divine
oh night when Christ was born.******

i heard the bells on christmas day
their old familiar carols play
and wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
and in despair
i bowed my head...
there is no peace on earth, i said
for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men
then feel the bells, more loud and deep
God is not dead...nor does he sleep
the wrong shall fail
the right prevail
of peace on earth goodwill to men
i can hear you
i can hear you.*******

****

i heard the bells on christmas day has never been one of my favorite christmas carols until this year.  it's been on my i pod for several years now and for whatever reason...it has become my song of praise this season.  you can find me...eyes closed...hands raised...singing my little heart out in the kitchen while we make cookies when it rolls around on the playlist.  i recommend the MercyMe version.  you won't be disappointed.  i promise.

i look forward to talking to you again after christmas.  have yourselves a merry little christmas.  let your hearts be light.  joy to the world.  the Lord has come.  let earth receive her King!!

* Joy To the World
** What Child is This
*** Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel
**** God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
***** Addendum to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (MercyMe)
****** Oh Holy Night
******* I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day