I was first moved this season by a Christmas carol at Blaise and Acadia’s school Winter Celebration a couple weeks ago where home schoolers presented their various talents of martial arts, dancing, singing, comedy, sketches, and playing instruments. Two young brothers played their violin and piano duet of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Still reeling from some of the earlier performances, I was moved to stillness as the whole gym was filled with by a single violin lamenting the need for redemption. With the incessant news of refugees, massacres, air strikes, online political hate, etc. the lyrics in my mind resonated deeply.
…and ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
At church a week and a half ago, we were led in the singing of The Huron Carol, Canada’s famous carol. I am so pleased with the renewed federal efforts to establish compassionate and respectful dialogue with the First Nations. It was so good to sing out the joy of the Incarnate God with the voice of people sidelined, abused, and ignored in our country.
The earliest moon of wintertime
Is not so round and fair
As was the ring of glory
On the helpless infant there.
The chiefs from far before him knelt
With gifts of fox and beaver pelt.
Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born,
In excelsis gloria.
In our final chapel service before classes closed for the break, I may have startled the students in front of me as I sang O Holy Night with such gusto. The power of God’s coming is one of the easiest messages to proclaim.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.