My Favorite Year End Ritual

My favorite year-end ritual begins today. The next two days I will curl up in my overstuffed chair and reread my 2010 journal. I call it “Harvesting my Journal” and I have enjoyed this reflective journey every year for at least the past 15 years.

With a highlighter and my favorite pen in hand, what do I look for?

·      Cherished moments.

·      Unexpected joys and obstacles

·      Reoccurring thoughts or stubborn won’t go away God nudges

·      Bible verses that guided me or still sing to me even if I don’t know why

·      Times I felt God’s presence and times I walk in lonely darkness

·      Lessons I learned and lessons that will take a life time to fully comprehend

·      Answered prayers and dreams that still bubbled with life and passion

I highlight and summarize on the December 31^st entry.

On January 1^st, you will find me buried in my journal once again, praying, and listening to God about the upcoming year. I tried my best to record what I feel is His hopes, dreams, goals for me the next 365 days.

I pause and lift up my journal and my life journey once again into His hands.

Then I start once again:  January 2….

Christmas Year-End Clutter – Sorted, Ordered and Transported

The living floor covered with ripped and shredded wrapping. Boxes tilting precariously, leaning to the right. Family still lounging in pajamas playing with their presents.

Ah, Christmas morn.

But slowly that day or the next, the Christmas clutter gets picked up and the front room returns to normal. Tired of leftovers, even the refrigerator receives a good cleaning.

Then I begin eyeing the Christmas décor. I wonder what the current protocol is on how long to leave up all the decorations? I know I like to have most of it put away by end of the year or it too become clutter.

I take the stack of Christmas cards and reread them one more time. The pile is moved by my chair in my office where I pray, read my morning devotions, and spend time with God. I select a card each day, praying for that person.    

What other year-end clutter needs to be sorted, ordered, and transported out of my life?

·      Like clothes that don’t fit and never will, is it time to let go of some hopes and dreams that seem to lie lifeless in my soul

·      Are there thank you notes and moments of appreciation on my to-do list that need attention?

·      Time to say NO to what drains me so I have the energy to work on my deepest passions?

·      Out, out you heavy disappointments and bubbling anger over incidents that only I remember

·      Go away you false expectations I had about the holidays

·      Like stuff regulated to the back corner of my closet, I need to look deep within my heart for hidden junk – things I don’t even remember I cling to and hid in secret.

Why sort and declutter? I want more space – more time for God in my heart. I yearn to hear Him clearly and feel His touch. I fill my mind with too much noise and trip over accumulated, silly bits and pieces of life instead of running straight into the arms of Life.

Lord, as the year ends, I see piles of junk in my life that block me from You. Help me scrap off the muck from my eyes, removed the rubbish that fills my heart, and free my hands from useless items. Clean me so You and I can enjoy each other in sparkling new ways.

What do you need to get rid of or reorder next year?

The Light Shines in the Darkness – Lectio Divina

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1: 1-5

The light shines in the darkness

Once again, Lord, you came.

In the shimmering candlelight of midnight services, I felt your gentle hug as You wrapped your arms around me.

What had been dark, now shone with Your love and presence.

You never forgot us.

You never abandoned us.

You kept your promises

You came.

But in reality You never left in the first place, did You?

You were there at the beginning.

You were there when sin first began and continued through all of us

You were there throughout the scriptures.

You were there in the stable.

You were there walking on the sea

You were there on the cross.

You were there on the road to Emmaus.

You were there at candlelight services yesterday.

And you are here with me now.

Always shining Your light, pointing the way to the Father.

Thank you for never giving up on us, your wayward children.

Thank you for being the light that shines in all darkness.

Thank you for being the Word – the first word and the last word.

Thank you for being Life.

My Christmas Wish for You – Christmas Quote

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! 

~Author Unknown

O Holy Night – An Incredible Hymn Story

On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine.

“O Holy Night” is one of the most beautiful hymns ever written. Its haunting music and uplifting lyrics draw us into the story of our Saviors birth in a special way. Listen here to Celine Dion sing this Christmas classic.

Did you know this hymn was at one time banned and controversial?

The Lyrist

Placide Cappeau (1808-1877) wrote the lyrics. Known more for his love of wine and poetry than his love for Christ, the local parish priest asked him to write a poem for the Christmas mass. Not sure where to start, Cappeau imagined what it would have been like to witness the story found in Luke.

The Composer

Cappeau asked his friend Adolphe Charles Adams to put the words to music. The words were difficult to place in a tune, even for this well-known composer of over 80 operas.  And to make matters worse, Adams was Jewish. But soon the words were joined to music and the priest had his new hymn for the Christmas mass in 1847.

The Controversy

The hymn grew in popularity in France until the background of the composer and lyrist was discovered. Cappeau left the church and became an active part of the socialist movement. He was described as a social radical, a freethinker, a socialist, and a non-Christian. Church leaders also discovered that Adams was a Jew, and the Church suddenly and uniformly denounced the song, which had quickly grown to be one of the most beloved Christmas songs in France. The hymn was declared as unfit for the church!

New Life

The hymn drew new life in England and the United States. John Sullivan Dwight (1813-1893) authored the English translation of “O Holy Night”.  Dwight felt that this wonderful Christmas song, besides being beautiful, supported his strong antislavery beliefs and his version quickly spread especially in the northern churches.

The story behind this hymn becomes even more incredible when we learn that on Christmas Eve 1906, Reginald Fessenden, a 33-year-old professor and former chief chemist for Thomas Edison, did something long thought impossible. Using a new type of generator, Fessenden spoke into a microphone and, for the first time in history, a man's voice was broadcast over the airwaves:

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed," he began in a clear, strong voice. After finishing his recitation of the birth of Christ, Fessenden picked up his violin and played "O Holy Night," the first song ever sent through the air via radio waves.

His voice was heard on ships and wireless operators throughout the country. His Christmas program was broadcast as far south as Norfolk, Virginia and when the program was repeated on New Year's Eve, it was heard as far away as the West Indies.

Isn’t that story amazing? God’s fingerprints are all over this song from its simple request from a small town parish priest to a socialist, wine loving poet. Next comes the soaring music written by a Jewish opera composer and added fuel by an abolitionist against slavery in America.

Spend a few quiet moments this week, reading and pondering these words. The second and third verse lingered with me deeply and filled this holiday season with renewed love and peace:

O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till He appeared and the soul felt His worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices 


For yonder beams a new and glorious morn 


Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! 


O night divine! O night when Christ was born!

O night divine! O night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand 


So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming 


Here came the wise men from the Orient land

The King of Kings lay in lowly manger 


In all our trials born to be our friend 


He knows our need 


To our weakness no stranger 


Behold your King! before the lowly bend! 


Behold your King! before Him bend!

Truly he taught us to love one another 


His law is love and His gospel is peace 


Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother 


And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus rise we 


Let all within us praise His holy name 
Christ is the Lord 


Then ever, ever praise we His pow'r and glory ever more proclaim 


His pow'r and glory ever more proclaim

What does this hymn say to you?

Auld Lang Syne

“It’s a Wonderful Life” – my absolutely favorite movie! I broke away from Christmas busyness and escaped for a few hours the other day – indulging myself in my annual treat of watching Jimmy Stewart in this great movie. 

The closing scene still gives me goose bumps – surrounded by what really matters in life – friends and family – knowing Clarence got his wings and all singing the classic "bring in the new year" song – Auld Lang Syne.

Since I have writing about the stories behind difference Advent and Christmas hymns this month, I wondered about this song. I sing it with gusto each year and don’t even know what the title means. 

Here is what I learned:

·      Auld Lang Syne literally translates to "Old Long Since," and more roughly it means "long, long ago" or "days gone by."

·      Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem, thought to be composed or at least compiled by Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns in 1788.

·      The tune is the traditional folk melody though was played faster for dancing

·      Sung traditionally by most of us on the stroke of midnight each New Years Eve however in Scotland, where Auld Lang Syne originates, it is also sung on Burns Night, January 25th, to celebrate the life of its author.

·      Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo popularized the use of the song at New Year’s celebrations in America, through his annual broadcasts on radio and television, beginning in 1929.

·      Many people join hands with the person next to them to form a great circle around the dance floor while singing this song. At the beginning of the last verse, everyone crosses their arms across their breast, so that the right hand reaches out to the neighbor on the left and vice versa. When the tune ends, everyone rushes to the middle, while still holding hands. When the circle is re-established, everyone turns under the arms to end up facing outwards with hands still joined.

·      This song is in many other movies besides my favorite: One Way Passage, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Wee Willie Winkie, and When Harry met Sally

So impress your family with some Auld Lang Syne trivia this year and take that cup of kindness yet and carry it into 2011!

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 


And never brought to mind? 


Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 


And auld lang syne! 



Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear, 


For auld lang syne. 


We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, 


For auld lang syne.  


The Christmas Star – Lectio Divina

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. Matthew 2:10

The star

Lord, I awoke early this week to watch the Geminid Meteors streak across the sky. I sat in my dark warm office by the window and waited 

    and waited 

       and waited. 

            Nothing.

Sigh

Was I just fool to believe I would see a shooting star? Maybe I missed them. Perhaps I was looking in the wrong places. This is ridiculous, I thought, I should be in bed.

But in the silence and stillness of the dark house, You quietly entered my heart.

So we talked. Just you and me, Lord, staring at your creation that twinkled and sparkled above me.

I placed in Your hands my worries and concerns. 

    I lifted up my friends who are hurting. 

        I whined a little and then remembered to thank you for all          things.

Thank you Lord for the stars and this quiet time together. My heart felt warm in the embrace of Your love and joy. The very act of lifting my eyes upward to watch for You, open the curtain of rejoicing.

Soon I was wordless and just rested in the comfort of Your presence.

Sigh.

Your amen to our time together was not one, but two brilliant meteors racing northward with long yellow tails. Their message from You to me: “I keep my promises. Keep looking. Keep waiting.”

Fourth Sunday in Advent Quote – John Brokhoff

"What has happened to the old-fashioned, spiritual Christmas? 

The cause is our disregard of Advent. 

The church set aside this four-week pre-Christmas season as a time of spiritual preparation for Christ’s coming. It is a time of quiet anticipation. 

If Christ is going to come again into our hearts, there must be repentance. Without repentance, our hearts will be so full of worldly things that there will be ‘no room in the inn’ for Christ to be born again.

We have the joy not of celebration, which is the joy of Christmas, but the joy of anticipation.” 

~ John R. Brokhoff

Oh Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee – Advent Hymn Story

On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine.

This Advent hymn - O Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee -  was a new one for me, though I recognized the tune when I heard it (hear it here). 

The title alone though spoke to my soul and felt very fitting for Advent.

How do we meet the Lord? In this crazy busy time of year, do I rush into your presence or do I stop everything and fully focus on You, Lord? How do I meet You?

Love the last phrase of the first verse: To do in spirit lowly all that may please you best. – What a prayer for the season!

Written by Paul Gerhardt, who was born in 1607 near Wittenberg in Germany, and studied theology at the University of Wittenberg from 1628 to 1642. In 1651 he was ordained and made pastor of a church in Brandenburg, near Berlin.

Despite personal suffering (four of his children died in infancy and he lost his wife after only 13 years of marriage) and the horrors of the Thirty Years War, Gerhardt wrote over 130 hymns, expressing both orthodox doctrines and emotional warmth in response to them. Many of his hymns speak of devotion and commitment to loving God. He earned the nickname the "sweet singer of Lutheranism."

Here are nine verses though I have seen even more listed on some internet sites. Prayerful words to read and ponder this season. I used verse 4 in my morning meditation today, so I invite you to read over the following and see if any touches your heart.

1. O Lord, how shall I meet Thee, 
How welcome Thee aright?


Thy people long to greet Thee,
 My Hope, my heart’s Delight!


O kindle, Lord, most holy,
 Thy lamp within my breast


To do in spirit lowly
All that may please Thee best.

2. Thy Zion strews before Thee
 Green boughs and fairest palms,


And I, too, will adore Thee
 With joyous songs and psalms.


My heart shall bloom forever
 For Thee with praises new


And from Thy name shall never 
Withhold the honor due.

3. I lay in fetters, groaning,
 Thou com’st to set me free;


I stood, my shame bemoaning,
 Thou com’st to honor me;


A glory Thou dost give me,
 A treasure safe on high,


That will not fail or leave me
 As earthly riches fly.

4. Love caused Thy incarnation, 
Love brought Thee down to me;


Thy thirst for my salvation
 Procured my liberty.

O love beyond all telling,
 That led Thee to embrace,


In love all love excelling, 
Our lost and fallen race!

5. Rejoice, then, ye sad-hearted,
 Who sit in deepest gloom,


Who mourn o’er joys departed
 And tremble at your doom.


Despair not, He is near you,
 Yea, standing at the door,


Who best can help and cheer you
 And bids you weep no more.

6. Ye need not toil nor languish 
Nor ponder day and night


How in the midst of anguish
 Ye draw Him by your might.


He comes, He comes all willing,
 Moved by His love alone,


Your woes and troubles stilling;
 For all to Him are known.

7. Sin’s debt, that fearful burden, 
Let not your souls distress;


Your guilt the Lord will pardon 
And cover by His grace.


He comes, for men procuring
 The peace of sin forgiven,


For all God’s sons securing
 Their heritage in heav’n.

8. What though the foes be raging,
 Heed not their craft and spite;


Your Lord, the battle waging,
 Will scatter all their might.


He comes, a King most glorious, 
And all His earthly foes


In vain His course victorious 
Endeavor to oppose.

9. He comes to judge the nations,
 A terror to His foes,


A Light of consolations
 And blessed Hope to those


Who love the Lord’s appearing. 
O glorious Sun, now come,


Send forth Thy beams so cheering,
 And guide us safely home.

CHAZOWN – Finding Your Vision – Book Review

Do you have a vision? Can you state your purpose in life? Are you aware of your core values that drive your behavior?

Chazown by Craig Groeschel is a book what could help guide you in answering these questions. Chazown in Hebrew means “vision.”

Chazown directs us to find our core values and spiritual gifts, and identify our past experiences. Ideally when we analyze these three areas of our life we should be able to zero in on our life purpose.

What I liked about this book is its brief easy to read format with many practical tools ad motivating and often humorous stories. You feel like you are talking with a friend.

This is the type of book I will pull off my shelf once a year or so when I am thinking of next year’s goals. Its words of wisdom will help me sort through the noise and get to my key foundational values quickly and clearly. He asks thought provoking questions we all should consider frequently in life:

       1. If money was no object and you could do anything your wanted for the rest of your life, what would you do?

     2. Besides loving, caring for, and ministering to those who are most important to you, what is the number one thing that you believe God wants to accomplish through you?

Several years ago I spent time with a life coach and dove into reading many books on vision and developing a personal mission statement. This life changing experience is key for me as I set goals each year and try to live my life as God wired me. Taking the time to clarify who you are and how you fit in God’s plan is essential to a fulfilling life. 

What I didn’t like about Chazown is its lack of depth and in reality no new material if you have read much in this area and have spent some time seeking your core purpose before. If you haven’t done much work in this area, Chazown is a resource that you may find useful on your journey.

Another strength of the book is group discussion questions, a DVD series that would be great in a small group setting and a rich, interactive web site (http://chazown.com/)

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

What books or people have helped you discover your true self?

Our Advent Hope – Lectio Divina

And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:12-13)

You may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

God of Hope ~

    – Lord, Oh, how I cling to the sound of that phrase.

You are my hope, my lifeline, my only salvation.

Yet why do I not live in that hope each day?

Why do I let the darkness of the world take over and cloud my sight?

Why do I think my own ego can handle my life?

Elusive joy withers in my hands as I struggle in a desolated desert. Your rich soil waits to nourish my roots if only I would trust You.

Come Holy Spirit ~

Pour your life-giving hope into my parched heart.

Your strength buoys my weak knees and cheerless heart.

Come Holy Spirit ~

Fill me with your joy and peace –

      the only thing you ask in return is

           my trust.

Lord of all hope, I anticipate your rising to rule all nations – all hearts.

Come quickly also to reign in my heart.

I long for You to produce within us, as only You can, Your fruits of joy and peace.

God of Hope ~ I yield myself into Your hands and trust You once again.

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK – Mark Zimmermann

This Advent we look to the wise men to teach us where to focus our attention. We set our sights on things above, where God is. 

We draw closer to Jesus... 

When our Advent journey ends, and we reach the place where Jesus resides in Bethlehem, may we, like the Wise Men, fall on our knees and adore him as our true and only King - Mark Zimmermann

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – An Advent Hymn Story

On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine.

COME THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUS

Charles Wesley wrote 7500 hymns! One of them is this week’s featured advent hymn story. You can hear it here: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. 

This hymn was first published in 1744 as part of small collection of poems called “Hymns for the Nativity of our Lord.” In 1830 Welshman Rowland Prichard put the words to the tune “Hyfrydol” which means “good cheer.”

Take the time to read and ponder the words. The first verse stresses that Jesus’ coming fulfilled Israel’s deep yearning for the Messiah.

I love the word in the second verse, “Born a child and yet a King.” That line alone is enough to empower my Advent devotional time with Lord.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation,

Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,

Born a child and yet a King,

Born to reign in us forever,

Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all sufficient merit,

Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

How do these words speak to you heart?

Christmas Cards – Fun Trivia about this Potential Spiritual Practice

My hand cramps and I grow tired of repeating the same message. I refuse to cave into creating a form letter, so I still handwrite Christmas greeting cards. What have I learned about his holiday ritual?

My attitude determines how this practice either blesses me or drags me into the hole of too much to do during the holidays.

So each year I try to organize early and write about ten cards a day. The key ingredient is prayer. As I begin the card, I pray for the recipient and then seal it with prayer also. Calming balm for my attitude and I hope healing comfort for my friends.

The First Christmas Card

One story about the origin of Christmas Card, which originated in England over 150 years ago, tells that Sir Henry Cole wanted to send greeting to those he knew for the purpose of encouraging his friends to help the destitute during this holiday. He commissioned John Calcott Horesley to paint the first commercial Christmas card showing the feeding and clothing of the poor. 

The initial reaction to the distribution of Christmas cards was not very favorable. Some critics claimed Horsley’s card was too secular, and accused him of encouraging intemperance and alcoholism. Others criticized the idea of cards as a foolish extravagance. (Some still think that today)

I laughed when I read that legend has it Cole didn’t send any cards the following year, but the custom started anyway. The photo on today’s post shows that first card. Note the young child is also drinking wine – a controversial statement for sure and maybe why Cole quit sending cards.  Ha!

Christmas Card Trivia

·      Nearly 2 billion Christmas cards are sold in the U.S. each year

·      Cards were sent by 85% of Americans in 2006. Hallmark estimates that 1.5 billion paper cards will be sent this year. Sounds like a lot, but actually this is a decrease from previous years’ numbers of 2 billion.

·      President Eisenhower issued the first official White House Christmas card in 1953. By the year 1961, the White House was sending out 2000 cards. By 2005, that number had risen to over 1.4 million.

·      For every three holiday cards purchased and sent, one has a religious message.

·      The 1950s introduced humor. Santa was pictured as a couch potato watching television on one card. On a card whose message was "Peace on Earth," Santa had nuclear missiles over his head.

·      An average household in America will mail out 28 Christmas cards each year and see 28 eight cards return in their place

·      Victorian Christmas cards were considerably more elaborate than today’s, often adorned with layers of lace, silk fringes, tassels, ribbons, dried flowers, satin, or mother of pearl. Some were glass frosted. One surviving Victorian card consisted of 750 pieces of material stitched together.

·      Christmas beats Valentine’s Day as the biggest card-sending holiday.

·      The use of e-mailed cards of all kinds -- marking birthdays, Mother's Day and other events increased 23 percent in 2006 and is expected to grow more each year.

The Most Expensive Christmas Card

The answer to this question takes us back to our history story. The most expensive Christmas card was one of the original Sir Henry Cole cards. It sold at an auction in the UK in 2001 for the equivalent of 40,000 U. S. dollars.

Blessing or Chore?

Christmas cards – a chore or a blessing? Call me old fashioned and traditional, but this is a holiday ritual I still like to do. With prayer sweetening my attitude and warm thoughts of friends and family this time of year – taking the time and making the effort for this annual mailing adds joy to the season.

Do you send cards? If so, why do you do this each year?

Christmas at Maxwell’s – DVD Winner

Johnnie Donley is the winner of the DVD - Christmas at Maxwell's.  Congrats, Johnnie!!  I will get your DVD in the mail for you.

My husband drew numbers at random to select the winner.

Thanks to all of you for entering the contest!

In Quietness is Your Strength – Lectio Divina

        In quietness and trust is your strength Isaiah 30:15b

In quietness

Lord, I live in a noisy world. Far from the quiet where Your strength lies.

I know when I withdrawn – as Jesus modeled for us – to spend time with You,

    to rest in You,

       to hear your whisper –

            I am refreshed, renewed, and stronger.

The clamor of my world blares and distracts me from You.

My ego chatters incessantly filling me with self doubt and despair.

Lord, help me leave this racket behind and follow you into quietness.

The hush of your presence creates a safe room abundant with peace and love.

With no words ever spoken, You still my heart.

Nestling under your plush down duvet of love and I snuggle into your arms for much needed rest.

In quietness of spending time with You, I trust and gain strength. Thank you, gentle and tranquil Lord.

Second Sunday in Advent Quote of the Week - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes... and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

O Come O Come Emmanuel – Hymn Story

On Thursdays in December, I will be featuring a hymn from the season and its story. I love hearing the roots of these songs as music adds so much to the holidays and to our worship. Those who sing, pray twice – St Augustine.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

Emmanuel – even the sound of this word evokes peace within me. 

Emmanuel – “God is with us” – Doesn’t that just amaze you that God Himself stays with us?

Advent is a time of welcoming, anticipation, and waiting. Our prayers rise up, “O come, please come and be with us, Lord. O come, Emmanuel.”

This name, which Matthew refers to in his Gospel (Matthew 1:23), was first given to Jesus by the prophet Isaiah 700 years before His birth (Isaiah 7:14).

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is a favorite hymn to sing during Advent. Its history originates in the medieval Roman Catholic Church. This mournful melody was originally a Plainsong or Chant, which is the earliest form of singing in the church.

It is believed that the traditional music stems from a 15th Century French processional for Franciscan nuns, but it may also have 8th Century Gregorian origins. An unknown author wrote seven antiphons--short lines to be sung before and after psalms. Those seven antiphons all begin with the "O," and thus became known as "The O Antiphons."   

Just think: the people of the Dark Ages-few of whom read or had access to the Bible-this song was one of the few examples of the full story of how the New and Old Testament views of the Messiah came together in the birth and life of Jesus. And we still sing the words today, connecting us throughout the centuries to our fellow believers.

In the new hymnal at my church, notes beneath this hymn suggests singing one verse on each of the last days of Advent, What a lovely thought and way to focus our prayers each of those days. I think I will sing the verse then read the words and let them shape my heart:

December 17 – O Wisdom, verse 2

December 18 – O Lord of might – verse 3

December 19 – O Branch of Jesse – verse 4

December 20 – O Key of David – verse 5

December 21 – O Dayspring – verse 6

December 22 – O King of nation – verse 7

December 23 – O Emmanuel – verse 8

John Mason Neale (1818-1866) translated this hymn into English. He was both revered and persecuted for his desire to bring a unity of ideas between the Catholic Church and the Church of England. John's original hymns include Good King Wenceslas and Good Christian Men Rejoice.

Read and listen (listen here to one version) to these words. Rejoice in these words and music! You may want to check out different hymnals as difference translations have been made and the words slightly modified may speak to you in new ways.

May this hymn enrich your prayer and draw you closer to the One who is always with us – Emmanuel.

O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Refrain

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O Wisdom from on high embracing all things far and nigh; in strength and beauty come and stay, teach us your will and guide our way

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

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.