Come, Lord Jesus

I’m in much need of slowing down this week before Christmas. My spirit is thirsty to remember what Christmas is all about; the birth of our Savior, coming with a purpose, becoming our sacrifice and taking our sin, and giving us the gift of eternal life.

I’ve selected a prayer and hymn to recenter our scattered senses and redirect our full attention as we celebrate the birth of the baby in the manger. Blessings on you this Christmas.

Lord Jesus,
Master of both light and darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparation for Christmas.
We who have too much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your Kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Amen
— (Henri Nouwen; www.dynamiccatholic.com)

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 Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly 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, O come, Thou Lord of Might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times did’st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty, and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

— Latin hymn from the 12th Century, translated into English by
John Mason Neale, 1851

Note: Emmanuel is derived from the Greek and Immanuel is derived from the Hebrew.
Both spellings mean “God with us”.