Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Best Christmas Song...Ever

I realized I never completed my Advent series last year culminating in the revelation of my all-time favorite Christmas song.  My profound apologies to those of you who have been waiting an entire year for this announcement!  Growing up, this particular song was played frequently in our home during the Christmas season simply because it was on one of my mother's favorite Christmas albums.  There are many different versions of this song, and some even alter the lyrics a tad.  However, my favorite version is sung by this group.  And don't you dare make fun of me for loving this group...

I simply love the lyrics of this song; the truth they speak stirs my heart.  Honestly, I listen to the song year-round (when my husband lets me, that is).  So, without further ado, here is my most-favorite Christmas song.

O Come O Come Emmanuel

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

O come now Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by Thine advent here.
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death's dark shadows put to flight.

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

O come Thou Wisdom from on high
and order all things far and nigh.
To us the the path of knowledge show
and cause us in her ways to go.

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

O come Desire of nations, bind
in One the hearts of all mankind.
Bid now our sad divisions cease
and be Thyself our King of Peace!

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

Amen.  Come, Emmanuel, come.

4 comments:

erin said...

This is my favorite, too!!! I LOVE it.

Jessica said...

Agreed.

But I'm still not 100% convinced on this version yet.

Unknown said...

OH man... so good... sufjan stevens version of this song melts your heart.. it was recently used in an episode of Friday Night Lights (the best show on TV!!)

Andrew and Abby said...

This is my favorite, too!