She lit a candle in a downtown cathedral
Quietly confessing, counting on a blessing
She looked as if she had nowhere to go
I could see her weeping
Hands together hoping you would hear...
This is the time of year
We hold our families near
But God let us be a friend to the hurting
Oh Emmanuel, God with us
Spirit revealed in us
That we may be your hope to the world
Oh Emmanuel, God with us
With a light to break the darkness
That we may show your hope to the world
Emmanuel, God with us
Be God in us
I moved in closer just so I could see her face
Maybe she was a mother
Someone's only daughter
Her silver hair shimmered like the snow
Christmas bells were ringing
Now beside her kneeling I asked her name
(And she said)
This was the time of year
I had my family near
But they've all gone and I have been so lonely [Chorus]
So with my family that Christmas day
A girl of sixty years would laugh and play
And as we watched her dance our eyes were full of tears...
"Emmanuel, God With Us / O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is a beautiful and inspiring song performed by Point of Grace. It is a captivating melody that combines the traditional hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" with original lyrics that emphasize the meaning and significance of the name Emmanuel, which means "God with us." This song can be found on their album "A Christmas Story."
The song opens with the story of a woman seeking solace in a downtown cathedral, lighting a candle and quietly confessing her troubles. The lyrics paint a poignant picture of her desperation and longing for God's presence in her life. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can turn to God and find comfort in His presence.
The title of the song, "Emmanuel, God With Us," draws from the biblical prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, which says, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." This verse foreshadows the birth of Jesus, who is the fulfillment of this prophecy. Jesus came to earth as God in human form, dwelling among us and bridging the gap between God and humanity.
Throughout the song, the lyrics express the desire to be a vessel of God's love and hope to those who are hurting. It calls us to be attuned to the needs of others, especially during the holiday season when families come together, but many may still feel lonely and broken. The song encourages us to extend compassion and be a friend to those who are hurting, just as Jesus would.
As the chorus states, "Oh Emmanuel, God with us, Spirit revealed in us, that we may be your hope to the world." This line reminds us that as Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing His love and hope to those around us. We are called to be a light in the darkness, bringing comfort and encouragement to those who are struggling.
The song carries a sense of urgency to act and be the embodiment of God's love. It reminds us that we have a responsibility to be a source of hope and healing to those who are hurting. It challenges us to put our faith into action and make a difference in the lives of others.
The fusion of the traditional hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" with the original lyrics brings a fresh perspective to this timeless Christmas song. It seamlessly weaves together the longing for the Messiah's arrival with the call to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world today.
In conclusion, "Emmanuel, God With Us / O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is a powerful and moving song that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. It calls us to be a reflection of God's love and hope to those who are hurting. Through its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics, it invites us to embrace the name Emmanuel, recognizing that God is with us always, especially in our moments of despair and loneliness. May this song inspire us to be vessels of God's love and hope, shining His light in the world.
