“…and Ransom Captive Israel”

My heart is deeply touched this morning with these words. As I get ready for our Christmas service this morning at church, the words to an age-old Christmas carol wrap their arms around my heart and squeeze until there impression is forever left behind:

O come, O come, Emmanuel
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.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

My prayer forever shall be, "and ransom captive Israel". Will you join me today in praying for the peace of Jerusalem?

Lord, lead captive Israel to her Deliverer. The price has already been paid. Lead her forth from the Egypt of blindness and unbelief. Open her eyes and reveal to her the Key of David. Make her safe on the way that leads to our Emmanuel. Draw captive Israel from the depths of hell and give them victory o'er the grave through their Redeemer Deliverer … Emmanuel—Yeshua, the Christ! In Jesus' name, amen!

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© 2007 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved