This afternoon’s reflection comes from John Leech rector of St Albans Episcopal church in Edmonds Washington. John blogs at sermonoats.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
During Advent we greet the gospel singing verses of Hymn 56, “O Come O Come Emmanuel”— based upon the O Antiphons, ancient Latin refrains adapted for our congregational use. In these verses we are singing a 19th century translation of a 12th century version of 9th century lyrics based on the first century words of Matthew which cite the Old Testament prophet Isaiah.
These words, so old and so new, bring us right to the present moment – the moment of freedom God has given us in Christ Jesus – and beyond into the fullness of the completion of his work in the world: his kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
We greet the coming Christ in a variety of titles, drawn from Old Testament prophecy and writings, from the Torah and from the Gospels. They include Wisdom, Lord of might, off-spring of Jesse, Key of David, day-spring from on high, desire of nations, Son of God, teacher, King of Peace. They begin and end with the name Emmanuel: God (is) with us.
This article is taken from a longer article that John wrote on his blog. Read the entire article here
I thought that John’s reflection paired well with this very powerful rendition of O Come O Come Emmanuel
Like this:
Filed under: Advent, Christmas, mediation videos, Uncategorized
Dear Sister,
Thank you. The music is lovely, while the soul-searing images cast the Gospel starkly into our comfortable, and too often, oblivious, reality.
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