O come, O come, Immanuel

It's one of my favorite hymns of the season. But I have grown increasingly distressed by the characterization of Israel as "captive" and in need of ransoming.

Last year, I wrote about my discomfort here.

Fortunately, Rev. Dr. Barbara K. Lundblad wrote new lyrics for this hymn. The words are influenced by the Advent Year A Scripture lessons.

O come, O come Immanuel
And bless each place your people dwell
Melt every weapon crafted for war
Bring peace upon the earth forever
Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Take heart and do not fear,
God’s Chosen One, Immanuel draws near.

O come, green shoot of Jesse, free
Your people from despair and apathy;
Forge justice for the poor and meek,
Grant safety for the young ones and weak.
Refrain

O come, now living water, pour your grace
And bring new life to every withered place
Speak comfort to each trembling heart
Be strong! Fear not, for I will ne’er depart.”
Refrain

O come, dear child of Mary, come
God’s word made flesh within our earthly home
Love stir within the womb of night
Revenge and hatred put to flight.
Refrain

Words by Barbara K. Lundblad

In addition, Maren Tirabassi also rewrote the first two verses. The third verse is original.

O Come, O come Emmanuel
make true the stories prophets tell –
so all those chained by fear find release,
and, war forgotten, bring a world of peace.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
is come to birth where all God's children dwell.

O Come, Love's-season, to our lonely days,
and guide us in our words and ways
to be the ones whose Advent begins
with healing earth and all that live within.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
is come to birth where all God's children dwell.

O come, Desire of Nations, bind
all peoples in one heart and mind;
Make envy, strife, and quarrels cease;
fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel
is come to birth where all God's children dwell.

Advent Planning

The First (Old Testament) Readings during Advent this year come from the prophetic book of Isaiah.

First Sunday November 30 Isaiah 2:1-5
Second Sunday December 7 Isaiah 11:1-10
Third Sunday December 14 Isaiah 35:1-10
Fourth Sunday December 21 Isaiah 7:10-16

A Benediction (Or Miscellaneous Thoughts)

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