We are living in such tough times and so many of us are weary…. weary….
While the specifics of our conditions have changed, the tension and weariness are ancient. In describing the conditions at the time that the Jewish Prophet wrote, The Inclusive Bible writes:
“The Israelite people have been captive and in inescapable distress with absolutely no way out -- and then this passage from the prophet, whom we name Isaiah, describes the light at the end of their long dark tunnel, and promises them freedom and brightness -- abundant joy.
The God who will work these wonders is so beyond human description that the Deliverer is called many names in an effort to describe God's power and protection -- God's graciousness and gentleness.”
What follows is a prayer service Rev. AndreaGrace recently led. You may go through this at your own pace, in your own way – as we join with countless generatiosn and pray: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” or in Latin: "Veni, veni, Emmanuel".
Emmanuel means: God with Us
It come from a passage from the Prophet Isaiah:
What is your response to that picture? It was so startling to me… and yet…. It makes sense! Have I – have you - ever thought of Mary’s pregnant belly? Maybe we can pray with this image during the week.
Let’s pray with Monks who are chanting this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5fH7xJ9OfA
For sure, now we need to know that Emmanuel – God IS with us – more now than ever.
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is a Christian hymn sung during Advent and Christmas seasons. The text was originally written in Latin in the 12th century. The song is a paraphrase of the “O Antiphons.”
The “O Antiphons” are short sentences sung or recited before the Magnificat at Vespers – evening prayer - over the last seven days of Advent. The O Antiphons themselves likely date to sixth-century Italy, when Boethius, a philosopher, refers to the text in “The Consolation of Philosophy”.
The Antiphons subsequently became one of the key musical features of the days leading up to Christmas.
Let’s listen to a traditional version of the song.
This version of lyrics set to this melody was created in the mid-1800s. The translation is by John Mason Neale and was included in the Hymns Ancient and Modern. His translation is the most common in the English-speaking world, but other English translations also exist.
As I prayerfully pondered this song, I noticed how some of the language supports atonement theology
It would be a beautiful prayer exercise to update the wording to reflect accompaniment theology – God becoming human in Jesus to accompany us and how us to live in love, peace, joy, and inclusion with justice.
Translations into other modern languages, particularly German, are also in widespread use.
The lyrics are set to a variety of melodies.
Let’s listen to a different rhythm by Steve Angrisano
Immanuel or Emmanuel brings us back to our rich Jewish roots and the prophet Isaiah. We will end with a version of the song by our award-winning Jewish brother, Joshua Aaron which was filmed in Jerusalem. As we listen to Joshua and his band – may we pray that Immanuel – the Holy One – will be with all leaders and people – bringing true peace in the Middle East and rippling out to cover the entire world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFoFOZmSIfY
During Advent, you may also want to prayerfully ponder:
An instrumental version of the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc
An acapella version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMja9I5lXSU
As well as how the “O Antiphons” have been used to begin other songs such as: Come Now O Prince of Peace https://youtu.be/UBhKHDYjoEY
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