O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, ELW 257 (verse 2)
Devotion
We cannot publish the text for today's hymn due to copyright limitations. We apologize for the inconvenience.
While this hymn is usually sung in Advent, I invite you to reflect on its second verse. So familiar to many ears, these poetic words long for the wisdom of God to come. Likewise, God's wisdom revealed in Jesus Christ longs to be made known today in human communities. We have explored the theme of wisdom this week and have seen that God's wisdom turns conventional wisdom upside down. Jesus, the Wisdom from on high, teaches us to love God and our neighbor with our full selves—mind, body, and spirit.
God's wisdom "embraces" all of creation, both "far and nigh," centering us in the overflowing and unconditional love that unites the Triune God. Let us pray for this wisdom to "come and stay" with our communities and congregations. May our hearts be softened, that we may be open to Jesus' teaching.
Prayer
O Wisdom from on high, we rejoice at the gift of your presence. Remain with us. "Teach us your will and guide our way." Amen.