Cami says, "This song represents a heart felt longing and plea for the Savior’s coming. At the time of the Savior’s birth, there was great discontent and division among the Jews who had long awaited His coming. They had been dispersed, oppressed, corrupted, and eventually captive under Roman rule. 'After centuries of conquest and humiliation, many felt desperately that only the Messiah could rid them of foreign oppressors and reclaim their national dignity' (Source). Expecting the Messiah to come as a political leader, many missed the mark and disregarded or rejected Jesus Christ. Regardless, the type of rescue He offered them is eternal in nature and can most definitely be applied to all who have or will ever live on the earth."
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is an ancient plea that I can truly connect with in our day. Sometimes, when I am reverent and still, I get an irreplaceable longing for the Savior. During those times and in heartfelt prayer I tell the Father how deeply I miss Him and His Son. In a recent prayer I heard a tender phrase from my sweet husband when He pleaded with Heavenly Father to ‘hasten the day of the coming of the Savior’. We have been saved for these latter days to prepare the way for His Second Coming. I testify that God knows us perfectly and desires us to rise to the occasion amid all the opposition we face. We must stay true and ever deepen our discipleship, for we have truly been fitted for this cause."
Cami continues, "This particular composition is quite moving to me. I love the rich cello tone and deep piano line as they accompany one another in an emotional duet. The Piano Guys constructed, in music, a story that every human heart knows. For instance, picture in your mind’s eye one of the most painful or difficult parts of your life to this point. What would the longing of your heart’s song sound like? For me, this comes close. Many times the words “Rejoice, Rejoice” are played in this song but their representation sound to me opposite of a playful, innocent joy. This phrase sounds like a tried, tested and harrowed soul educated by trial and pain but now deeply grateful, full of hope at the Savior’s rescue. Every one of us needs the redemptive and renewing power of the Atonement. Many of us have felt that in an indescribable way and will need to continue turning to Him for this type of aid throughout our lives."
Cami concludes by saying, "The Piano Guys filmed this piece with help from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who allowed them to use their Jerusalem Movie Set. They said, 'We felt transported to the Holy Land as we played music and filmed there' (Source). In this particular clip, scenes from the Savior’s birth and life are interspersed throughout to further communicate this beautiful message."
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Performed by: ThePianoGuys, Jon Schmidt and Steven Sharp Nelson (piano/cello)
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice ! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny ;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.
Rejoice ! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice ! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav'nly home ;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice ! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Adonai, Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice ! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
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