Things to do in Advent 1: Advent hymns

[callmemadam]

Image from here

Every year, on the first Sunday in Advent, a candlelit service is held in our Minster Church. The church is in darkness to begin with, then the choir processes, singing O come, O come Emmanuel. I’ve always loved this hymn, with its hint of plainsong. This is the version I know.

O come, O come, Emmanuel!
Redeem thy captive Israel
That into exile drear is gone,
Far from the face of God's dear Son.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel

Any other favourite hymns for the season?

Comments

[geraniumcat.livejournal.com]

"O come, O come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That waits in lonely exile here
Until the son of God appear"
was the version I learned. I love it too, and am listening to it right now, catching up on the Radio 3 Advent service, which I managed to miss yesterday. Glorious!

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Someone's already commented that Advent has the best music. I'm inclined to agree.

We all seem deeply attached to 'our' version of O Come!