held captive

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

- Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV)

 

This weekend my husband and I got to spend the whole day and night with two of the most adorable kiddos on the planet (I might be biased, but I love them).
We watched Christmas movies, counted presents under the tree, renovated an old wreath, went out to see a Christmas light display.
We had a grand time. 
This morning during breakfast our granddaughter asked how many days until Christmas, so we did the math (yes, I did math) and determined that there were 10 more days.
Of course, today is Monday and we are now at 9 days, but she knows the anticipation of waiting for something.
As we come up to Christmas day, we need to ask ourselves what we are waiting for?
What holds us captive? 

What keeps us from seeking Him more?
I’m taking you back now, back to 1851 for a well-known Christmas carol: 
O come, O come, Immanuel,

and ransom captive Israel

that mourns in lonely exile here

until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Wisdom from on high,

who ordered all things mightily;

to us the path of knowledge show

and teach us in its ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O come, great Lord of might,

who to your tribes on Sinai's height

in ancient times did give the law

in cloud and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,

unto your own and rescue them!

From depths of hell your people save,

and give them victory o'er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Key of David, come

and open wide our heavenly home.

Make safe for us the heavenward road

and bar the way to death's abode.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Bright and Morning Star,

and bring us comfort from afar!

Dispel the shadows of the night

and turn our darkness into light.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O King of nations, bind

in one the hearts of all mankind.

Bid all our sad divisions cease

and be yourself our King of Peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

shall come to you, O Israel.

People had been told that this child would come, same as we have been told that Jesus will return.
People then were held captive by a variety of things, same as we are today. 
What is holding you back? 
Do you know the joy that will come when you let Him in? 

   

#dailybreadbykitty

Daily Inspiration from the Bible