Advent Thoughts, #20

Because the tunes are so familiar, we often don't hear the words.  The words are gospel words, unapologetically evangelistic and theistic.  No room for inclusion of other religions here, although plenty for every tribe, tongue, and nation.  No wonder the atheists rail against Christmas; maybe they get it more than the nominal Christians.  Christmas is about Christ.  It only exists because of the birth of Christ, the incarnation.

Oh, come oh come Emanuel
and rescue captive Israel
Who mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice, Rejoice.  Emmanuel shall come to you, Oh, Israel. 

Hark the Herald Angels sing.
Glory to the newborn king.
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinner reconciled.
Joyful all you nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic hosts proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark the herald angels sing.
Glory to the newborn king.

God rest you, merry gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our savior
was born on Christmas Day.
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone away.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
let earth receive her king.
Let every heart prepare him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature, and nature sing.