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When I was child, I couldn't wait to open the presents under the Christmas tree. Sure, I loved all the other things -- baking cookies, singing the carols, decorating the tree, getting a new dress. But let's be honest, what I really waited for were the presents. As anticipation mounted, the waiting became more excruciating. How could I possibly wait 'three more sleeps' when the yearning was so intense I thought my little body would burst from its skin.
This is a season of waiting, not just for children. And, all these years later, it's not the presents that make my heart beat faster with longing. Oh, I still love presents -- giving and receiving them -- but it's the music I yearn for these days. I long to hear the old familiar carols of Christmas that have come down the ages. The music that interprets yearnings of the heart.
We each have our own favourite carols of Christmas. And we listen or sing as we wait. For me, one of many favourites is the centuries old carol O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. If memory serves me right, I was in Grade 5 when I first heard this piece. My piano teacher suggested I learn to play the simple melody for Christmas that year. I eventually heard it sung and especially love when it is sung in Latin. My heart soars on the notes, and through it "the voice of the Spirit himself sings our hearts back to wholeness." (this line from a fellow blogger's post, Sarah Clarkson)
This carol was originally written in Latin text in the 12th century. Apparently both the author of the words and the composer of the music are unknown, although it is believed the melody is of French origin. Wherever it originated, and whoever was inspired to pen this melody and lyrics, I'm grateful for that person or persons and that it survived the centuries so we can enjoy its beauty in the 21st century.
Oh come, oh come, Oh rising sun
Cheer us by your coming
Drive away the clouds of night
And the dreadful shadows of night
Rejoice! Rejoice!
I first came across this particular rendition a few years ago -- it still touches me. I offer it to you today and hope you will enjoy it.
Wishing you a beautiful day!
Hugs,
Brenda
xox
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I love Christmas music also. My favorite is - "Oh Holy Night."
ReplyDeleteThat's a top favourite for me as well! xo
DeleteThat is also my favourite! But your choice is also beautfiul, Brenda.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have to confess that I started listening to Christmas carols in mid-November! Thanks for sharing this lovely piece of music.
ReplyDeleteWaiting at Christmas time can be hard.I love all things Christmas.I think I love them even more now than I ever did as a child.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about my favorite Christmas songs, sacred and secular, the last few weeks and your favorite is mine also. Oh Holy Night is probably my second.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting this - sublime.
Mary
I love Christmas music too especially the Messiah!
ReplyDeleteI'm already enjoying waiting for the next installment in this series :-) I love waiting for things as well, it is the best part. I sometimes think that it is wrong, that it is better to live in the moment and enjoy things as they happen, but I still like the waiting... :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Oh, I did enjoy your thought about the joy of waiting, that anticipation is a good thing. I agree. Like everything else, there needs to be a balance ... sure live in the moment but there is also room for waiting and anticipation of something to come. Moderation in all things, as my hubby likes to remind me.
DeleteWhat a coincidence! As I was reading this post, I have a Mannheim Steamroller CD playing and at the moment that I read the words “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” that very song began to play!
ReplyDeleteI love those kinds of coincidences. To me, there's a feeling of the divine touch on them.
DeleteThanks for joining in the giveaway fun, Jane.
This is a truly wonderful rendition of that ancient carol! Thank you for sharing it, gave me thrills down my spine:)
ReplyDeleteI love those thrills that come when we hear something truly wonderful.
DeleteYes, I agree...there's nothing that warms my heart any more than the old familiar carols that I learned as a little girl, singing them in three part-harmony with my brothers and sisters. Probably my most favorite is "O Holy Night". Every year I try to find at least one evening leading up to Christmas where I can sit alone in the room lit only by Christmas lights, turn on these beautiful traditional carols and just get lost in this wondrous season, if only for a few moments!
ReplyDelete