Worship Song Sunday -- O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Selah

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is one of my most favorite Christmas songs. Originally, it was written in Latin text in the 12th Century -- ('Veni, veni, Emmanuel') -- and was translated into English by John Mason Neale in 1851.  The author of the lyrics and the music are unknown.

It's also considered an advent hymn, so appropriate for this second Sunday of Advent. 

There is a beautiful, yet haunting feel to it, a song being sung from the deepest, darkest, loneliest of prisons, a plea for help, relief and deliverance.  Which indeed it was: the captive people of Israel, in dire need of rescue and ransom from a savior.  

Its text is based on the Scriptural prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 (AMP): 'Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel [God with us]'. 

Remove all distractions as you listen; open your heart as you sing and worship our Savior, Who came as a ransom for us all.   He is with us.