From Isaiah 7:14:  “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign.  Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name Him Immanuel.”

Leading from Zion

Mercy taking flight

God shall be with us

Hope’s ember of light

Sprouting from his roots

Jesse’s stump alive

Faithful branches breathe

Hope’s spirit survives

Waiting in prayer

Prophesied birthplace

Prince shall bring His peace

Hope’s beacon of grace

Sheltering man’s faith

Bethlehem sleeping

Flock’s promised Shepherd

Hope’s heart now leaping

Believing in God

Life’s harshness turns bright

Virgin bears His Son

Hope’s fulfilling night

Advent Prayer:  Heavenly Father,  as we remember and reflect upon this Advent season, assist us in turning our hearts toward You as we approach the birth of Your blessed Son.  Encourage us to celebrate the gifts received from that very first Christmas:  hope, peace, joy, and love.  Amen.

One of Advent’s most enduring hymns is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”  The original text was composed in Latin during the 12th century.  In 1861, English priest and scholar John Mason Neale translated the lyrics into what many Christians recognize and sing today.