My Favorite Christmas Hymn

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!  Just wanted to share my favorite Christmas hymn, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus."  

I usually don't appreciate new and more modern renditions of old hymns, but I happen to love love LOVE this little arrangement by Derek Webb and his wife Sandra McCracken.  Check it out!

Here are the lyrics too.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Biblical theology, the part where it talks about "Israel" is talking about the church, those who follow Christ as their Lord and Savior.  In the Old Testament, the nation of "Israel" were God's chosen people.  Post cross and resurrection, the new "Israel" are the Church, "those who are called" -- meaning, those who have placed their trust in Jesus to save them from their sins.  

Just as a Bride eagerly waits for her wedding day, so we as the people of God wait for our Jesus!  

"Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne."