Emmanuel (Advent Prayer), a song of desire, hope, and expectation composed by Paul Zach, sung by Jonathan Ogden & Page CXVI from Advent Songs from The Porter’s Gate.
The lyrics:
O wisdom Lord and Ruler,
Root of Jesse,
Key of David,
Rising sun,
King of the Nations,
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
Lord Jesus, come; Lord Jesus, come;
Lord Jesus, come; Lord Jesus, come.
Every year a smattering of new Christmas Songs are released.
It’s hard work, I can’t really think of a contemporary Christmas themed congregational song that’s really implanted itself in widespread use.
Getty Music have released Brightest And Best, featuring Kristyn Getty and Ricky Scraggs evoking a sort of Alison Krauss and Union Station sort of vibe (which is welcome) using older lyrics written by Reginald Heber.
As a hymn the words of the chorus, Brightest and best…, are the first and last verse, so using them as a chorus does work. It also seems in some way to take the emphasis off the star mentioned in the chorus and more on praise of Jesus.
The tune works well, too.
The lyrics
1.
Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion
Fragrance of Edom and off’rings divine?
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?
Chorus.
Brightest and best of sons of the morning
Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid
Star in the East, the horizon adorning
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid
2
Vainly we offer each ample oblation
Vainly with gifts would His favor secure
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor
Chorus.
3.
Cold on His cradle the dewdrops were shining
Low lies His bed with the beasts of the stall
Angels adore Him, in slumbers reclining
Wise men and shepherds before Him do fall
Wise men and shepherds before Him do fall
Chorus.
Repeat chorus.
Repeat final line.
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