December 23 – O Emmanuel

O Emmanuel (God-with-us)

LATIN: O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, exspectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos Domine Deus noster.   (Listen here)
ENGLISH: O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: come to save us, O Lord our God.

O God-With-Us, O Divine Incarnate,
O rightful Ruler and legitimate Law-Giver,
the world cries out for your vitalizing touch.
The Earth which you have formed
bleeds and dies
awaiting your salvation.
Nation strives against nation,
people against people,
creed against creed.
Your faithful people languish
with your Name on our lips.

You created us,
yet you are a stranger among us.
Even we who bear your name
barely seem to know you.
Rule over us, O Righteous God!
Come, O Long-Expected and Anxiously-Awaited!
Save us, our Lord and our God!
Stir up your power, Lord Christ,
and COME!

 

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” vs 1, 8

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.