O Come, O Come, Emmanuel ~ Hymn for December

 It was almost a year ago that I began thinking more in depth about the hymns that we sing.  The stories behind the hymns are fascinating, and the words convicting. But, I had missed it.  Even though I have been in church my whole life, these hymns were just something we sang, but not really thought about.  I knew for 2020 I wanted that to change.  I wanted to think about the words I sing and ask myself, do I really mean them?  

I have enjoyed taking a hymn a month and focusing on the words, the story behind it and a Bible verse to go along with it's theme.  It's been exactly what I have needed.  And now, here we are on our last month.  It's sort of sad!  I am excited about the hymn I have chosen for the month of December!  I love, love, love Christmas music, and this one has a beautiful melody!

This hymn will help us to keep our focus right this month.  There is always so much hustle and bustle during the month of December.  As we bake galore, and eat even more!, go to parties, make crafts, shop and wrap, we often forget the real reason behind this season.  It's all about Jesus! So for December I have chosen the hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

The music is so thoughtful and beautiful, but have you ever read the words?  Have you ever really thought about them as you sing them?  It's amazing how much our Savior is.  He has so many attributes and names: King of Peace, Bright and Morning Star,  Lord of Might, Wisdom from on High....and many more.  This song focuses on who Jesus is.  He is Emmanuael; God with us.  This hymn causes you to really think about it and remember.  Shouldn't we all do that this Christmas!?  Oh yes!

Here are the words to this hymn:

1 O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

2 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. 

3 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. 

4 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. 

5 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. 

6 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. 

7 O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace. 

I created a playlist for us to be able to listen to this hymn as well that you can find here.

I will also be memorizing Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

It is my goal this month to truly remember.  He is worth remembering this December and all year long!