HAND OF SWEET RELEASE
by Suzanne Jennings

Come thou long-expected Jesus
Come illuminate the mysteries of life.
Come redeem us from the refuse
Bring an end to endless suffering and strife.
Be the star that shines so brightly
That it draws our weary eyes to the sky - to heaven's sky.
Dearest child of new beginnings
Be the start of something beautiful, I cry.

Chorus:
There's an end to all the waiting
There's an answer to the "who" and "where" and "why...tonight.
All the years anticipating
Are surrendered to a tiny baby's cry
There's a dawn to follow darkness
There's a face to fill the title "Prince of Peace".
What He promised he delivered
I am saved by the hand of sweet release.

In this war I've been a captive
Just a sinner seeking life and liberty
But the hands that hold me tightly
Are the hands that set my shackled spirit free.
Blessed Jesus, meek and lowly,
You have come into my heart and made it new...now I'm new
Out of bondage into everlasting light
I owe everything to You!

I love Christmas music. I have lots of CD's and enjoy playing them all, but this particular one ("Still the Greatest Story Ever Told" by the Gaither Vocal Band) is the one I always go back to. The songs speak to my heart in such a profound way.

This one in particular, written by Bill Gaither's daugther Suzanne, just brings me to my knees. I tried to find a video to post so that you could hear the incredible music, but I couldn't find one. I think, though, that the words alone will bless your hearts.

Blessings,

We leave for church early this afternoon. This is the weekend of our Christmas Program. I won't be home much until late sunday afternoon. We are praying that this program will reach hearts with the Gospel message. I am so excited to see what the Lord will do.