Since I’m on “sabbatical” (sort of), I decided this year to repost some of the Christmas pieces that are close to my heart, for those who may not have seen them, or who enjoyed them and want to revisit them. This one was posted just last year, after the horrendous attack on Israel. (The music video at the end brought me to tears – again.)
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” – Psalm 122:6-7
With the fast-approaching celebration of the birth of Yeshua, the Messiah, traditional carols have taken on a new meaning to many of us. The unimaginable horrors occurring in the region of the birthplace of Jesus are no doubt adding a sense of urgency to the desire for a Savior to come and deliver His people – to deliver all people – from the evils of this world.
Selah’s rendition of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” has woven into the melody the Israeli national anthem, “Hatikvah.” (Translation: “The Hope.”) It is heart-rending, and the accompanying scenes from “The Nativity Story” complete the picture of the world Jesus was born into, the world He came to save, so desperately in need of Him.
Take a few moments, watch, listen, meditate, and “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as we ponder Your coming to save us, help us to know You better. Bring us closer to being the people You want us to be. In Your name we pray, amen.
Amen. Thank you for posting this, Annie! (I’ve got goosebumps!) Blessings, my friend!
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‘Tis the season for goosebumps, isn’t it, Cindy? 😉
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That it is!
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The violin at the beginning of this magnificent song is haunting-as if it’s foreshadowing the peril the baby Jesus will be in after His birth. Selah’s performance of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is stellar. Thank you for sharing this, Annie! 🙂
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I agree, Nancy. Their “Rose of Bethlehem” is my favorite Christmas album – mostly familiar songs in exotic new (but not weird) styles – like “Silent Night” in Swahili.
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