From the Chaplain’s Corner: Advent Thoughts – Finale

Greetings to all in the Kaffeeklatsch!

On this last Advent Sunday, I’ve a couple further observations about how Advent’s yearly unfolding can invite us to consider the flow of salvation history: from God’s creation of the universe from nothing [Gen. 1:1-2:3], to Adam and Eve’s broken relationship with the Father [Gen. 3:1-24], to a promise of hope for restoration embedded in the tragic events [Gen. 3:15]. As well, we’re presented with holy reminders of the promise, periodically, in the Law of Moses [Num. 11:29] and the writings of the Prophets [Is. 7:14].

One way to follow the lines of this unfolding of the future-past is to create a “Jesse Tree”. This vertical timeline toward the coming of Emmanuel is helpful in preparing because – especially with children – it’s a chance to express creativity, too.

Another way to trace the path is to attend to the prayer focus of the season’s last seven days. These last days of preparation for Christmas are marked by a set of prayers called the “O Antiphons”. The hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a favorite way to pray through this last week (Dec. 17-24).

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 thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
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 Key of David, come
And open wide our heav’nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Adonai, Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
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 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
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

(Modern versions of 12th-century Latin text.)

Here’s an instrumental version of the song, by Casting Crowns. Thanks for coming with me on my Advent journey. May peace be in and with us all. Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Until next time,

Chaps…Out!