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Friday, December 11, 2015

A tidbit about the oldest Advent hymn

Did you know that what some consider to be the oldest Advent hymn is O Come, O Come Emmanuel? The hymn dates back to the ninth century, and is based on the O antiphons of Advent, which, in some traditions, are sung on the third Sunday in Advent. 
   Here's another interesting tidbit about O Come, O Come Emmanuel: Even though it is considered the oldest Advent hymn, it was not translated into English until the nineteenth century by a Church of England clergyperson, John Mason Neale. Last night I heard a quartet sing the hymn and the last stanza they sung was not familiar to me or to our Lutheran hymnals. However, upon further investigation, I discovered that it was part of the Mason Neale translation.  

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Prayer of the Day/Collect for 2 Advent, Year C


God of the now-and-not-yet: Cleanse and purify our hearts, minds and lives so that we may be bearers of your peace into this violent-ridden world. In our waiting, prepare us for your coming; through Jesus the Messiah; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit; one God, now and through all ages of ages.