The
Music of Advent – Part 1
What thoughts and images come into your mind when you
think of Advent?
If you grew up in church, perhaps you think of candles.
You might imagine a dimly let sanctuary, soft music playing, and an Advent wreath
centered near the alter or on the platform. This describes the image I see in
my mind’s eye. Certainly, candles are fitting as we await the coming of the Light
of the world who will dispel darkness.
During the season of Advent, which begins on the fourth
Sunday prior to Christmas, our hearts begin to stir with contemplation and
quiet expectation.
The sacred music of Advent contributes to the intensity
of our thoughts and feelings. Close your eyes and think of a favorite advent
hymn. These melodies point us to the
arrival of our Messiah and the emergence of His Eternal Kingdom.
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| From Joy Comes to Bethlehem by Connie Wohlford |
When we allow ourselves to pull away from the
materialistic frenzy of the holiday season, we can come into a place of reverent
awe of what God is doing on planet Earth. In these times we live in, it takes a
conscious effort to focus on the true reason for the season.
On these four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day, I want
to look at four hymns of Advent. I admit that some of them I was not familiar
with because I did not grow up in a highly liturgical denomination. In my blog
research, I’m developing a deeper understanding of the anticipation of the
coming Christ as celebrated through the ages.
We’ll look at the lyrics and contemplate their meanings as
well a snippet of historical background of each.
First, consider one I know well and, in fact, it’s my
favorite Christmas hymn—“O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
Some scholars say this ancient hymn dates back to the twelfth
century. But others attribute it to a community of fifth century Jewish followers
of Yeshua (Jesus). It is believed to have been used as part of their Hanukkah
celebrations.
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is often included in the service
of first Sunday of Advent. As you read these lyrics, below, consider the centuries
of anticipation for the Israelites, awaiting their Deliverer. They, and we, need
wait no more for our Deliverer has come.
Ponder
these lyrics, then listen to a beautiful rendition on YouTube.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
1 O come,
O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, 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. [Refrain]
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. [Refrain]
3 O come, O come,
great Lord of might,
who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. [Refrain]
who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. [Refrain]
4 O come, thou branch
of Jesse’s stem,
unto thine own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave. [Refrain]
unto thine own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave. [Refrain]
5 O come, O Key of
David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery. [Refrain]
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery. [Refrain]
6 O come, O Bright
and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death’s dark shadows put to flight. [Refrain]
and bring us comfort from afar!
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
and death’s dark shadows put to flight. [Refrain]
7 O come, desire of
nations, bind
all peoples in one heart and mind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease,
and be thyself our King of peace. [Refrain]
all peoples in one heart and mind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease,
and be thyself our King of peace. [Refrain]
(Public
Domain)
[Scripture
references: Stanza 1- Is. 7:14; Matt 1:23. Stanza 2- Is. 11:2; 1 Cor. 1:30. Stanza 3- Ex. 19:16-20; Deut. 10:17; 1 Tim.
6:15. Stanza 4- Is 11:1, 10; Rom. 15:12.
Stanza 5- Is. 22:22; Rev. 3:7. Stanza 6- Num. 24:17; Rev. 22:16. Stanza 7- Jeremiah 10:7; Rev. 15:4.]* *https://hymnary.org/hymn/LUYH2013/61
Here’s a link to listen to this
beautiful centuries-old hymn. Do hear it and experience its wonder.
Please share your thoughts about the Advent season and
specifically this hymn in the comment section. Thanks so much for visiting my
blog.
I pray you have a wonder-filled Advent Season and a Jesus-filled
Christmas.
©Copyright
2018 Connie Wohlford
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