During the season of Advent we have long listened to Christmas Carols as we ramp up to Christmas Day. There are some churches and pastors who resist the singing of traditional carols during Advent, deeming them not yet appropriate. One problem is there are not a lot of truly Advent hymns. Yes, there are a few. While listening to “hymns of the season” this morning I was reminded of one very special song written in 1980 by Dottie Rambo.

Dottie was born Joyce Reba Luttrell on March 4, 1934, in Madisonville, Kentucky. She was inspired to start writing country music at age eight and after having an experience of Christ she was singing and writing gospel music by age twelve, when her father who disapproved of her singing Christian music, gave her an ultimatum: quit singing Christian music or leave home. She left and in the course of her lifetime wrote some 2,500 songs, of which, “We Shall Behold Him”, was one of her most famous. Two other notable songs were: “I Go to the Rock,” and “Sheltered in the Arms of God”.

Dottie married Buck Rambo in 1950, and together they formed the trio “The Gospel Echoes,” later known as “The Singing Rambos”. Tragically, Dottie died on May 11, 2008 in a tour bus accident. Many of her songs have been recorded by noted artists including, Sandi Patti, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, and Dolly Parton. Dottie specifically requested Sandi Patti to make a recording of “We Shall Behold Him.” A most stunning and inspiring recording it is. Hear it here: https://youtu.be/KZ3H3lg9NZM

Advent season reminds us of the world’s desperate need of a savior (that never changes) and leads us to celebrate the promised coming of Christ in the stable of Bethlehem on Christmas Day nearly two-thousand years ago. But Advent also points us to Christ’s promise to come again. (Matthew 24:30; John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) Christ came, not in judgement, but for salvation, “for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” While we celebrate the birth of the savior, Jesus, we also look with hope to Christ’s promise to “come again.”

One day we shall behold him, face to face. The Apostle Paul writes in 1^st Corinthians 13:12, ”For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” We may not see his face fully now but we can know him personally, as friend, savior, and Lord. This inspired song by Dottie and sung by Sandi, helps lift my spirit to the wonderful presence of my Lord Jesus, though his face may not yet be fully “in my face” but I have the hope and joy today that one day I will behold him, face to face. May it be your hope and joy also. Praise be to God the Father. Amen.