On of my favorite pieces of music is the simple Advent hymn: O Come, Emmanuel. Peter Hollens’ arrangement of this classic lays bare its urgent, plaintive cry… As you listen to the music, reflect on how these words might be your own cry, your own prayer, in Advent 2023… It might be helpful to listen to the song before the prayer – and then again after the prayer…
O Come, Emmanuel by Peter Hollens
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O come, O come, EmmanuelAnd ransom captive Israel
O come, O come, EmmanuelAnd ransom captive IsraelThat mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appear
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheerOur spirits by Thine advent hereDisperse the gloomy clouds of nightAnd death’s dark shadow put to flight
O come, O come, Thou Lord of mightWho to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s heightIn ancient times did give the lawIn cloud, and majesty, and awe
Rejoice! Rejoice!Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O IsraelShall come to thee, O Israel
Help me see what holds me captive, Lord,
and come with grace to set me free…
My lonely heart’s in exile, Lord,
come rescue me and bring me home…
Come, touch and heal my grief, O Lord:
anoint me with your Spirit and with joy…
See the burdens that weigh heavy on my heart:
help me carry them with dignity and grace…
Scatter far what clouds my vision, trust and hope:
pierce my shadows in my darkness with your light…
In my weakness, Lord, I stumble, trip and fall:
with your strong and gentle arm, come lift me up…
Help me trust you are Emmanuel, God-with-me,
come with mercy and with peace…
Protect me, Lord, while I’m awake
and watch over me while I sleep
that awake, I might keep watch for you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
