The antiphon for December 23 is the last and is “O Emmanuel.” The antiphon reads, ”O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God.”

It continues to be, for me, the most amazing news that God would ‘rend the heavens and come down’ in order to show the full length of his love. I am a pretty fearful person, and knowing (sometimes more, oftentimes less) that God is with us, is a particular comfort.

One more day…

Far, far away is any king from me;
Beyond his castle’s bolstered gates and doors
His ear, taken with many other pleas—
Greater than my economy and wars.

Yet I hope, and hope is not one if seen.
So say the preachers whom I’ve often heard;
I try to hope, to trust, try to believe
But life’s cares choke and hide his promise-word.

If only help would come, bring salvation
A help with heart, who keeps, safe to lean upon—
Strong, to bear the hope of every nation,
Hold in loving arms till all fear is gone.

Hope has come, lies swaddled in a stable:
God-with-us, loves us, is willing, able.

© Randall Edwards 2016
This poem is for Christ’s church. If it is helpful, please feel free to copy or reprint in church bulletins, read aloud, or repost. I only ask that an attribution be cited to myself (Randall Edwards) and this blog (backwardmutters.com). Thank you.