Monday Music Appreciation #67: O come, O come

Yesterday was all about Joy. But this morning, I'm feeling the effects of Bondi Beach and Brown University happenings. I had thought to share something from Handel's Messiah, but this somehow seems more apropos. The beauty of the arrangement and the voices singing touches something deep in me.

The yearning for God-with-us, Emmanuel, becomes very strong when we are faced with these kinds of tragedies where innocent people die because of... what? There seems no good explanation.

 I spent a lot of time listening to this beautiful choral piece this morning. May it bring you some consolation and an impetus to push for a world without violence, where God's Wisdom reigns.

Email subscribers, please click here to listen to the video. (My apologies that I can't figure out how to make videos appear in your emails, but you can always go directly to the moodlings webpage by clicking the link at the top of the email where it says "visit https://simplemoodlings.blogspot.com/.")

Sunday Reflection: O come, Divine Messiah...

This week's reflection is brought to you
by the old French hymn,
Venez, Divin Messie.

Many hymns translated from their original language lose a little bit in translation, so I am looking at them with new eyes. In bringing this one, that English speakers know a bit differently, to prayer, I am amazed by its message. The following Sunday reflection/prayer is a loose translation of the contemporary French lyrics...

O come, Divine Messiah,
Bring us hope and save us!
You are our life!
Come, come, come!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQXpp9mWkCM

O Child of God, do not delay;
By your presence, give joy
to our world, in its disarray.
Tell us again
of the love with which you love us;
help us all to believe in your love!
Come, come, come!

In Bethlehem, the skies were singing
of the best of your goodness --
the gift of your peace.
It's not hard to see that the world needs peace:
Everywhere, hearts are divided;
come and lead us to your reign!
Come, come, come!

You were born for us all.
May your grace, O God, save us
and dispel our fears in the night.
May your tender innocence
inspire us to live in simplicity.
Be our deliverance!
Come, come, come!

+Amen.