Although Christ was likely born at another time of year, perhaps in the Spring around the vernal equinox as some have suggested, I am grateful for Christmas when we pause to remember His birth into mortality. His birth represents the supreme condescension of a Most Holy being from His exalted condition into this fallen and darkened world, to ransom and rescue its inhabitants from the wages of sin and death. He submitted Himself to His Father's will in all things for the salvation of His children. His love continues to fill the hearts of all those who earnestly seek Him.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a sacred and holy hymn that conveys the essence of our Savior's mission, power, and love. Originally written in the 12th century in Latin, music added in the 15th century, and translated in the 18th century:
1 O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
2 O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain
3 O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain
4 O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o'er the grave. Refrain
5 O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death's abode. Refrain
6 O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. Refrain
7 O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain
"...and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth." (Moses 1:6)
