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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  • Sister Sharon Paul

    Blessings to those who prepared this Advent podcast. Lots of effort was rendered to prepare this Advent rendition. Thank you! I enjoyed the stained glass windows from the 7 churches and the meaningful expressions on the faces and the Visitation, the Angel Gabriel, Spirit in the form of a dove, the star,the cross and the Nativity spoke volumes. I especially liked seeing the Srs. at our Holy Family Convent rendering praise and thanksgiving as they prayerfully sang and played their instruments as they begin this Advent Season. May each of us enter into this prayerful SEASON as we await His coming once again in our hearts and in our lives!

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

    Advent time is filled with so many ways of preparing for the Feast of the Incarnation. Our Sisters’ preparing through music and song is a beautiful sign of simplicity, joy, and expectation which is so much a part of each of their lives. Thank you Sisters for sharing yourselves with us!

  • http://facebook? Michelle Propson

    It was beautiful! The true essence of Christmas. Thank you for sharing.

  • http://www.raphael.org Sister Anne Marie Lom

    Oh, what a joy and pleasure to begin Advent with this ancient melody played by our contemporaries, our gracious, talented sisters. This haunting chant always brings me back to Advent days at Holy Family Convent, at each mission where I served, and to my own center in Jesus who is awaited with eager hope today and each day. Emmanuel, God with us, is a touching reminder to watch for God-with-us in each moment. God waits for us more than we wait for God. I try to pay attention!

  • Sr. Pam

    What a beautiful meditation during these days of Advent! The blend of music and the stained glass images were a wonderful way for me to remember the importance of these Advent days. How easy it is to get caught up in the frenzy of “doing” and forget that it is in the “being” of these days that God will come to be with us.

    Thanks to all of you who put together this reflective podcast!

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

    ‘God is with us’ through each of our dear Sisters who gave of themselves to film this podcast. Bravo. And of course ‘God is alive’ in Mark and the crew who not only captured this meditative melody, but enhanced the reflection with the beauty of sacred windows cherished by the people of God. Bravo Par Excellence!

  • Sister Rosangela Weiland

    This Advent podcast is awesome. Thanks to all of you who used your talents in producing it. I’m sure it will touch many lives during this Advent season and help us to stay focused on the important preparation for Christmas.

  • Sister Annette Kurey

    Sisters, The Franciscan Advent podcast is wonderful. It is so reflective, so calming and peaceful. You are truly returning to God the gifts He has given to each of you in this podcast. Your creativity is remarkable. Thank you.

  • Sister Laura Wolf

    Beautifully done – Great connection of pictures and music.
    Thanks for putting this meditation together!
    Sister Laura

  • sister Ellen Pachmayer

    Thanks so much for sharing your gifts and talents, that was so beautifully done. Blessings on each of you and Happy Advent.

  • Sister Leonette Kochan

    Beautiful! Thank you for giving the gift of Advent spirit to all who listen.
    Sister Leonette Kochan

  • Sister Marlene

    Thank you for sharing such a beautiful rendition of the one of my favorite Advent hymns. The accompanying pictures enhance it beautifully. May it inspire many to become closer to the Lord.

  • Sister Mary Ann Nugent

    Thank you for sharing this beautiful Advent reflection. Your music and selection of art work truly help to lift the heart and mind to God in prayer.

  • Sister Carla Riach

    What a beautiful rendition of this ancient hymn. I loved the stained glass windows. They fit in with the “oldness” of the hymn. Thank you, Sisters, for sharing your gift of music and art with us. May we all open our hearts for Emmanuel!

  • Stephanie

    This song makes me think of happiness, as well as the ability to learn from Jesus.

  • Connie

    When I hear music praising God, I am moved to a new level and my faith strengthened.

  • Dan

    Music is used to inspire us and God come to us through inspiration.

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

    Thanks Stephanie, Connie and Dan for your comments. It was good to be with you in Kaukauna. Peace and all good.

  • Phillip

    Music is able to inspire you with soothing and comforting tones, but also tell you a story of faith.

  • Chuck

    it’s very peaceful and humbling to watch & listen to this video. it reminded me of Advent. Yay Christmas!

  • Sarah

    it makes you think about what’s really in your life & what you should be thankful for.

  • Bailee

    it’s very beautiful and reminds me of the holidays. God speaks to you in a deeper meaning through music.

  • Tommy

    Music brings together individual notes to create something that sounds beautiful. It shows us the good in things and makes meaningful connections.

  • Derek

    We need to rejoice & praise God.

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

    Thanks,Derek,Tommy, Bailee, Sarah, Chuck and Phillip, for expressing your meaningful connections with this homey video. Peace and all good.

  • Ryan

    It’s inspiring. The xylophone was cool.

  • Melanie

    Through music God talks to us in a language everyone around the world can understand.

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

    Thanks for the thoughts Melanie and Ryan! I couldn’t agree more, music is God’s language!

  • D. B.

    Peace. Friendship.

  • Cody

    It’s a good song.

  • Tiffany

    What I thought when the song was playing was that God is with us no matter who we are, what we have done, and how rich or poor we are. He will always be with us.

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

    D.B., Cody and Tiffany, your comments are appreciated on this day we remember Juan Diego. May you continue to find inspiration in music as you prepare for the feast of Christmas.

  • John

    Made me think of family b/c it’s a song we hear at Christmas & Christmas is a family time

  • Maria

    This song makes me think of God coming into my heart. I feel like through this song, we are asking God to come into our lives.

  • http://www.raphael.org Sister Anne Marie Lom

    This song really is asking God to come into our lives. Thank you for picking that up. Also, God is always in our lives so I think the song asks us to pay attention to God who is already here. I really enjoyed reading so many comments on the blog.

  • Al

    Good songs are good.

  • Connor

    I’ve sung this song before in Boy Choir and it is a song makes me feel in the holiday spirit.

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

    Thanks for your insights Connor, Al, Maria, John and Sister Anne Marie! This Advent song is a wonderful traditional hymn that touches our hearts in many ways!

  • Cayden

    By playing soft music, it helps me relax and just think about Him.

  • Laura

    I think about how many people neglect God in every day life rather than letting Him in.

    I have always thought that music expresses things we ourselves can not put into words.

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

    Cayden and Laura, your thoughts were heart-felt. Peace and all good this Advent Season.

  • Kayla

    We are suppose to rejoice and praise the Lord. When I need to calm down or think about certain things, I like to listen to praise & worship music.

  • John

    The coming of Jesus was to come to save us and help us with everyday tasks. I think that God gives everyone challenges in life and as Jesus comes he can help us overcome those obstacles. He uses music to give us a time for reflection and to show emotion.

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

    Kayla and John, thanks for using your emotion and lived experience to make a comment. Peace and all good.

  • Connor

    There is something to be said about the star that led the shepherds to the baby Jesus. In a world that can seem so infected with darkness, something so bright can liven the soul in ways beyond our expectations. It can tear through all sadness and all evil.

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

    Connor, the stained glass window with the star does attract one’s eye in this podcast. Thanks for deeply considering its significance.

  • Jenna

    It reminds me of the Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The excitement of the word ‘rejoice’ reminds me of the happiness of the birth of Jesus.

  • Kevin

    God uses music to send people a message to help them understand God.

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

    I agree that God uses music to help us grasp the mystery of God, especially during this special time of the year!
    Blessings on you Jenna and Kevin for sharing your thoughts!

  • Cody

    Makes me think about all the happy times I have had in life; the song makes me feel relaxed and calm and feel connected with Jesus.

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