O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Today I was able to sing in church with a good friend of mine.  We did a duet arrangement of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.  The words are stirring.  I have always loved the melody, but have never really let the words touch my soul, if I can say it like that, only because I never gave them the opportunity.  


As we sang, though, I began to feel the view of heaven rest upon me.  As I looked out into the congregation, I could feel the words being spoken to individuals.  I was singing to individuals that deal with a lot in their lives, and that seek healing, comfort, and peace in their lives.  I felt that God granted me sight into their hearts.  And more than anyone, I felt a greater hope rest within my heart because of the Savior.


This picture is of a figurine we have in our living room as part of a hand-carved nativity set.  I love the set.  I had played around with the camera taking pictures of these figurines and have grown to like this one the most.  I guess I would like to reverence the Savior like this man is depicted.  I would like to approach him more on bended knee, looking to him with greater hope.  He holds something special in his hands--an offering, a gift.  I cannot see the Savior to give him a gift.  If I were to give him something, what would it be?  This thought crossed my mind earlier in the month.  It has been a personal tradition of mine after Thanksgiving to think of a gift that I can give the Savior.  This year I felt a strong feeling to offer a broken, repentant heart, and a contrite spirit.  More than anything, this is what I wanted to give to Him this year.  It's not easy, and it has taken a lot of courage, focus, and faith, but I feel a change starting within me... a deeper conversion trying to occur.  I hope it can!


This piece, O Come O Come Emmanuel, has expressed some of these feelings for me.  It expresses the hope I have in the atonement of the Savior.  In difficult times, in painful times, in frustrating times, he has been there. I don't know how it worked, but I knew he was there and that he was teaching me, consoling me, buoying me up, etc.  I love him.  He is a dear, dear friend of mine.  I hope I can make an acceptable offering, gift to my friend this Christmas season.  

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'er the grave

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heavenly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,

In ancient times did'st give the Law,

In cloud, and majesty and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Merry Christmas!  Let us celebrate the birth... the birth of our Savior!