Ponder ‘O Come Emmanuel’ a Franciscan Sisters’ Advent Podcast

by Sister Julie Ann on December 1, 2009

In this month of liturgical seasons that anticipate and celebrate the birth of Jesus, rejoice and enjoy O Come Emmanuel, a podcast featuring the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s rendition of the medieval img_7076.jpgCatholic hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (Veni Emmanuel) with its beautiful, haunting melody and collection of titles ascribed to the Savior from Scripture. Reflect on stunning Incarnational stained glass windows found in one of the Franciscan Sisters’ Motherhouse chapels and other Northeastern Wisconsin churches. Made from the most ordinary materials, this stained glass is sand transformed by fire into a jeweled beauty that stirs souls and moves them closer to God.

Sisters Caritas Strodthoff,OSF (xylophone and vocals), Sister Chiara LaValley, OSF (flute), Sister Myra Jean Sweigart, OSF (vocals) and Sister Winifred Crevier, OSF (organ) blend their musical gifts to perform this traditional hymn translated into English by John Mason Neale (1818-1866).

The stained glass windows highlighted in this podcast are from these places of Catholic worship:

How does this podcast move your heart?

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  • John

    I think about Jesus’ coming into the world, being born in a very humble place. Who would have thought that the savior of all would be born in a stable.

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    Cody and John, thanks your thoughtfulness in taking some important Advent time to comment. May the Lord bless you as you make more immediate preparations for Christmas.

  • Skyler

    Life is full of music and in my life I need to remember to find God in music.

    God makes his largest impact through music because music is my true love in life. I am a musician and I find God in music.

  • Steve

    I think of how much love God has for us. How lucky I am to have God in my life. From every sunrise to every sunset.

  • Sr. Delores Wisnicky

    Advent is a holy time and you have captured something very sacred here. The paintings give another dimension and take us to the place of birth. I witnessed a spectacular sunrise this morning and this podcast reminded me of it… Well done, all who were involved in it creating this podcast…

  • Julie

    It made me think of singing and rejoicing in church. It made me happy because I like to speak to the Lord with music.

  • Logan

    I think of Jesus coming.

  • Trent

    When I hear nice music, it makes me happy and thankful.

  • Kayla

    It made me think about how grateful I am to have God in my life.

  • Zach

    Music plants a seed in the heart. Music allows life to grow within the listener. It enriches the life of everyone.

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Mary Ann

    Thanks Julie, Logan, Kayla, and Zach for taking time to share your thoughts with all of us! You all mention the beauty and happiness of music which is one of the reasons for this blog, to share about God’s goodness and beauty in the world!

    Thanks too Sister Delores, Steve, and Skyler, the daily sunrise and sunset are also part of God’s symphony in our lives!

  • http://www,fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Ruth Ann

    I’m a little late, but finally I got the Advent podcast. I’m glad I did not miss it. It will remain a precious part of my memory bank for the beauty and sacredness of Advent

  • Erica

    The thoughts that come into my head when I hear this song is peace. Jesus in the manger and all the different people who have traveled many miles to see him.

  • Terry

    rejoice in the Lord–it gives me a moment of prayer

  • Sara

    This song reminds us that the Lord, our Emmanuel, is coming and has saved us all. It is truly a time to rejoice.

  • Morgan

    Music is another way to communicate with God.

  • Taylor

    God uses music as another way to be with each other and to talk.

  • Rachel

    Christmas, Jesus being born

  • Amanda

    God uses music to allow us to see his stories in another way, which we can better understand.

  • Maxwell

    It reminds me that whenever I am having trouble in life, God will come to me. He is always there.

  • Cory

    God uses catchy tunes so we can remember the words.

  • Emily

    It is joyful, yet solemn. It expresses the happiness of Jesus’ birth and sadness of His eventual sacrifice.

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    Such meaningful comments! Thanks for reflecting on this Franciscan Sisters’ podcast. Peace and all good.

  • Cathy

    The waiting time of Advent-the waiting for Jesus. Music awakens my soul!!

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    The Lord is near… especially after reading all these great comments! God is with us and the goodness you have shared confirms His presence in our lives

  • Monica

    I saw God’s passion through this song.

  • grazel

    Silent prayer. Jesus’ birth. The Holy Emmanuel.

  • bear

    I think about how everyone in the world can relate to music because there is no specific language to music. So God can touch all of us though music.

  • Kayla

    I think God used music because who doesn’t like music? It’s a good way to teach.

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