O COME, O COME EMMANUEL

Tomorrow begins the Advent season. I enjoy this time of year tremendously. Unfortunately, the last couple of years, Advent has sped by, colorful, yet out of focus. By the time Christmas rolled around, I was frazzled, worn out and ready for it all to be over.

It is my intention, my prayer, my hope, that this year I can invest myself in Advent, eager with the anticipation of all Advent can teach me and all I can then, in turn, teach others.

I have two absolute Christmas carols I enjoy above all others. The first is, “Silent Night.” I suppose it captures the essence of the moment of the birth of Christ for me and it is a beautiful melody as well.

The second favorite Christmas carol is, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Whenever I sing it, truly sing it, I can feel the hunger and anticipation of its lyrics. Sometimes, I feel the desperation of the song and I feel like screaming it. “Please come! Rescue me!”

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransome 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 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.

I believe when I can truly feel that hunger and anticipation, Advent will soak into every part of me, and finally, everything will come into focus.