advent.

in the last couple of years, i've become a huge fan of the advent season. honestly, one of the reasons i've grown to appreciate it is because it makes this time more about christ and less about traditions and family and gifts and all those things that can make christmas a tough season for people missing someone they love. even aside from that aspect of it, i'm realizing that it's a really important time for all believers, and i wish we gave it more attention.

if you haven't already, i suggest you read rob bell's article on advent. i found it super encouraging, and i think you will too. it's a good word on hope and expectation, claiming, "the not yet will be worth it."

if you're looking for an advent guide, a daily reading to keep you focused during this season, buckner has created a really great one this year. check it out here.

finally, the hymn, "come thou long expected jesus," is one of my favorites during the advent season. if you need a good version of it, i'm a big fan of christy nockels' acappella version--duh--on chris tomlin's christmas album. i posted the lyrics last year, but i think they're worth posting again:

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 thy own eternal spirit

rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all-sufficient merit

raise us to thy glorious throne.