Hosanna in the Highest!
'And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"' -Luke 2:14
'The those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest"' -Mark 11:9-10
As Christmas quickly approaches, many (including myself) find ourselves not ready. Who knew I would only be left with two weeks without having done all my Christmas shopping or Christmas cards, etc. As for the many things that are happening building up to this most joyous occasion, it's been a little difficult to really enjoy all these blessings that God has given. I do want to give thanks to the Lord for answers to prayer concerning flights. My parents, who are now back in Singapore, managed to secure me a flight back to Singapore on 22 December as well as a slightly more complicated flight back on 8 January. Praise Him for this provision. I am thoroughly looking forward to being back in Singapore to spend Christmas with family and friends.
Of course, in the midst of the holidays, there are still responsibilities that need to be considered. Please pray with me as I'm struggling through the amount of essays that I'm expected to churn out by the end of the year. One of them is actually due this Wednesday and the other 2 and a half are due by the 31st of December. I also have 3 sequences of an average 6 lessons each to plan over the holidays, which isn't too bad but does still require effort and thought. Thankfully, I only have two more teaching days in this year left though in truth, I am not prepared for either of them. I've also got 3 tests to take on the morning of the 22nd (yes, that is the day I'm flying but my flight is at night). Though these tests are not immensely difficult, I'll still need time to prepare for them.
Perhaps after reading this, you'll be realising that I'm often finding it harder to "stay positive" and I often worry I'm turning into the pessimist of the year. Then I listen to songs like this:
Hosanna (by Paul Baloche)
Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You, we turn to You
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You, we long for You
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
(CHORUS)
Hosanna, hosanna
You are the God Who saves us, worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
Hear the sound of hearts returning to You, we turn to You
In Your Kingdom broken lives are made new, You make us new
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
(CHORUS)
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
(CHORUS)
(Repeat Chorus)
Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You, we long for You
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
(CHORUS)
Hosanna, hosanna
You are the God Who saves us, worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, hosanna
Come have Your way among us
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus
Hear the sound of hearts returning to You, we turn to You
In Your Kingdom broken lives are made new, You make us new
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
(CHORUS)
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away
(CHORUS)
(Repeat Chorus)
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna, hosanna
Praise the Lord for songs like this that just reminds us of God's presence in our lives. He is mighty to save! He is sovereign! He is Good! He is faithful! He is Emmanuel! Hosanna in the highest! Praying that you will join with me in praise and adoration of our Lord, the servant king, this Christmas, who humbled Himself and came to dwell among us. Blessed Christas!
PS- I will be trying to post updates for those who are wondering what's happening to us. We are all thankful to the Lord for the many friends and family who have been such a huge support and blessing. Please note that the itinerary has been updated and I will continue to update it as we go.
