Immanuel Draws Near

O Come, O Come, Immanuel receives a refreshing text update by Rev. Barbara K. Lundblad with a new melody. Mysterious, yet filled with intent and with hope, this poignant advent anthem can be sung by a unison choir or a multigenerational two-part choir. A simple antiphonal section evokes the prophet's message passing from generation to generation, leading to a powerful climax: "Revenge and hatred put to flight! Rejoice, rejoice! Take heart and do not fear: God's chosen one, Immanuel, draws near."