The celebration of Advent is possible
only to those who are troubled in soul,
who know themselves to be poor and imperfect
and who look forward to something greater to come…
We get it mixed up every year, Lord!
We get it into our heads (and our hearts)
that to celebrate Christmas properly,
we need to be happy and jolly, merry and joyful
– and that’s exactly backwards!
We forget that Christmas is first for the lonely,
the abandoned, the shackled
the lost and the burdened,
for those who seek mercy,
who hunger for peace, consolation
and joy…
Christmas comes and Jesus is born
in broken lives, mended by grace,
in wounded hearts, healed by your peace,
in tears wiped away at your gentle touch…
We look for something greater to come,
our lives an Advent of expectation
of spirits anointed, lifted and blessed
in our time, in our lives, in our waiting hearts
and, if you will, Lord, in some kind measure,
in this season of Christmas prayer…
Protect us, Lord while we’re awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
and asleep, rest in your peace…
O Come, Emmanuel arranged by Taylor Scott Davis
performed by Voces8
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 come, Desire of nations bind
all peoples in one heart and mind
From dust thou brought us forth to life;
deliver us from earthly strife.
deliver us from earthly strife.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
O come, O come, Emmanuel!
