From Isaiah 2:3:  “Many peoples shall come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths.’  For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”

Seeking Father’s assurance

Darkness shall be overcome

Out of Zion, transformed hope

Embracing every breadcrumb

Praising every breath of grace

From root of Jesse will come

Messiah’s renewing hope

Rising to heavenly drum

Standing outside Bethlehem

Jerusalem shares her peace

Unity backed up with hope

Cradling redemption’s release

Waking to heavenly joy

Forces of darkness now quake

Manger caresses new hope

Witnessing Savior awake

Remaining always watchful

Shepherds innocently wait

Love piercing night sky with hope

Trusting in salvation’s fate

From Romans 15:12-13:  “And again Isaiah says, ‘The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the gentiles; in Him the gentiles shall hope.’  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

The popular hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” has been a favorite of past Advent seasons.  The original hymn can found in the music of monastic life over 1,200 years ago.  The English version was translated in 1851 by John Mason Neale, who was an English Anglican priest and hymn writer.