O Come, Desire of Nations

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Just as Israel cried out for their King to come, we cry out for the Desire of Nations to come again to establish His Kingdom of Peace on this earth.

And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
Haggai 2:7

He will come to bind the hearts of all mankind. That is our desire, as well as Christ's. Jesus asked His Father for this as he prayed before His crucifixion.

"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." John 17:22-23

Christ's second coming be the culmination of unity - but there is a lot we can do in the meantime to live in unity with our brothers, sisters and neighbors. Paul reminds us that loving one another (easier said than done!) and acting in love towards one another will unite us.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:12-14

We long for our King of Peace to come and rid us of our "sad divisions." As a believer in Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells in you, and you can have the peace that the King of Peace offers.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." John 14:26-27

Christ's peace unites us in one body with all believers.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Rejoice! The King of Peace has come. I encourage this season to pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel