Advent 4
O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Saviour: Come and save us, O Lord our God.
This ancient antiphon has been spoken in the worship of countless millions of Christian churches for over 1200 years. It is the last of 7 sayings spoken by Christians gathering to worship each day for the last week before Christmas. It is best known as represented in the wonderful Advent carol “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
This week, the worship companion won’t be structed quite the same. Instead, I’ve included several scriptures and writing selections to be included in full below. Meditate on these passages. Let them soak in and pray through them as you contemplate the mystery and wonder of God coming to earth in the flesh.
Isaiah 7:14
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
God is with us.
Matthew 2:6
“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
The Good Shepherd is here.
Luke 2:13-14
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
We join the heavenly hosts in their praise.
Philippians 2:6
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage…”
We worship the God who is great, yet humble.
Luke 2:29-32
28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel.”
The promise of light and revelation has come. He is our glory and our peace.
Below, enjoy this beautiful and simple version of “Silent Night” by who else, but Pentatonix.