O Come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice. Rejoice. Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
With its haunting melody, this is a perfect song for today’s Gospel which reiterates what the Lord said through the prophet:
“Behold the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.”
Let us repeat: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to you, O Israel.
Why wait until next Saturday, Christmas day? Let us rejoice today that God is with us while still intensifying our efforts to welcome Him anew into our hearts. Since last Christmas, can you name the changes that have occurred in your life? Is it possible to note your spiritual progress? Is the desire for Emmanuel greater with an ardent desire to spend time with Him? Do we not only long for but prepare for the coming of the Christ Child into our lives? Reflect today as you continue to prepare for Emmanuel, God-with-us!
Sing: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to me, (insert your name!).