Wednesday, December 3rd

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O come Thou Wisdom from on high,
and order all things far and nigh.
To us the path of knowledge show
and cause us in her ways to go.
                       (verse 1)

Special thanks to cousin, Brent Winebrenner for these path pictures...what a gift, Brent, thanks

     
     This hymn has gifted us for generations. It’s unsure, but it was believed to be written in the 12th century. The tune and words haunt me each year and come to my heart at just the right time. The melody is one that gets inside me and companions me when I’m tired or lonely, when I’m starting out or coming home. Come again, Emmanuel to this day. Enter into our hearts and join in this journey. Come again, Holy One with us.

     In these early days of Advent, as we are beginning to make our way, this verse offers a path for us to follow. This path is not toward riches or rewards. It’s not a path leading only for answers or affirmations. This path seeks Wisdom. This path is looking after Knowledge. This path draws us closer to the One of Hope, the One of Promise.

     This has been a long and trying year for me. I’ve experienced health issues that I didn’t see coming and felt as though my t-shirt always read: Recovering. Along the way my focus shifted to appointments and rehab, and I felt self-consumed in a way that was foreign to me. Like a foreigner in a foreign land. Maybe you have experienced something similar, or perhaps this year hasn’t unfolded in all the best ways for you.

     It is here, to this weary and wandering place that the words to this old hymn enters in. O Come, O Come Holy One. Show to me Wisdom, so that I may regain my balance and focus. Bring again to my longing spirit Knowledge to help me order this hour, and this day.

                                            Breath Prayer:   “Wisdom”     “Knowledge”

Prayer:
God of all the songs of our lives, we give you thanks for your loving presence. Enter in with us on this Advent Path. Guide us, we pray toward Wisdom and Knowledge showing us ways of your order and purpose. As our hearts join in with this hymn, may we follow this path leading once again closer to you. Amen.