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| Christmas 2011 |
| Perhaps the lyrics of one of the most beloved Advent Hymns sets the tone for our own age was we approach the beauty and mystery of Incarnation. We also seemingly live in a world filled with the darkness of political anger, war, child abuse and all that has dominated the news this year. Let these prayerful words be a consolation and inspiration on our journey. Merry Christmas! The English text of this latin 12th century hymn (itself based upon the "O Antiphons") is based upon the translation of John Mason Neale (1851) O Come O Come Emmanuel, and randsom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear. Rejoince! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel O come, O wisdom from on high, Who ordered all things mightily To us the path of knowledge show and teach us in its ways to go. O come O come great Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai's height In ancient times did give the law, in cloud and majesty and awe. O come, O branch of Jesse's stem, unto your own and rescue them! From depths of hell your people save and give them victory o'er the grave. O come, O key of David come and open wide our heavenly home. Make safe for us the heavenward road and bar the way to death's abode. O come, O bright and Morning Star and bring us comfort from afar! Dispel the shadows of the night and turn our darkness into light. O come, O king of Nations bind in one the hearts of all mankind, Bid all our sad divisions cease and be yourself our Prince of Peace. |
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