O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - (Piano/Cello) - The Piano Guys
I love Advent.
I didn't grow up in a tradition that formally observes the church calendar, but my parents still made sure we appreciated the anticipation of the season. As an adult, as soon as I learned that there was an actual tradition with candles to be lit each week, I started doing it with my own family around the dinner table. We would read scripture, light the candles, and sing "O Come Emmanuel" together. It was a simple way to bring our focus from the busyness of the season, to the wonder of a baby in a manger.
Advent is the time of anticipation, when we look for a Savior to rescue the world. This song still makes me stop in my tracks, both for its longing and for its hope.
In the hustle and bustle of these activity-filled days, and in the midst of a tumultuous world, we invite the King of Peace, Emmanuel, to come into our hearts and reign.
Emmanuel....the God who is with us.
Turn up your speakers and enjoy.
O Come, Emmanuel
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 Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.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 over 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, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.O come, Thou Root of Jesse's tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace
