O Radix Iesse : O Root of Jesse
December 19
READER
O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before Whom all kings are mute, to Whom the nations will do homage: Come to deliver us, and delay not.
PREACHER
Is there anyone here who feels that she simply has no life left in her? Is there anyone here who feels that he is “used up” and “burnt out”–exhausted? And not only that, he fears that the whole people of God is nothing but “dead wood”? Then we say to that person, “Brother, Sister, take heart! Look! From the dead stump of our failure, God raises up a new and living sprout. He comes to bring you life. His name is Emmanuel. He is God-with-us and He is with you, too. So rejoice and sing:”
PEOPLE
O come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree,
Free them from Satan’s tyranny
That trust Thy mighty pow’r to save,
And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!