So many hymns and carols that we sing during the Christmas season have incredibly meaningful lyrics, yet we often mindlessly sing them without diving in ourselves. So, I invite you to slowly read and reflect on the meaning behind the lyrics of the carol “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” I have adapted the lyrics of the first and third verses below, making them easier to understand, repeat and reflect upon. I encourage, however, you to take a look at the original lyrics of the other verses of the song, and let the words pull you into the love of God’s heart. Let us dive deeper into our relationship with God this advent season.

Lord please come and ransom us from captivity. We are in exile here. God please appear and ransom us. O come, you who can spring the day. Come cheer our souls by coming to us. Drive away all the darkness around us. Pierce through the clouds and bring light and life and joy to us. We shall rejoice because God with us has come for Israel, so we can rejoice that He will come again to ransom us. O come Lord, you are the desire of many nations. All the people of one heart and mind desire your coming. Lord please allow envy and strife and quarrels to cease, and replace it all with Heaven’s peace. Fill the whole world with Heaven’s peace. Rejoice, Rejoice. Jesus, the son of God has come and will come again. He is the Prince of Peace and He will fill the world with Heaven’s peace.

By Elisabeth Halberstadt, Faith Editor

27ehalberstadt@montroseschool.org