Ransom Captive Israel

Israel has been on my mind a lot lately. Omega (one of our ballet companies) just went a couple of weeks ago. Jeremy is headed there next semester. My precious grandmother and grandfather on my dad's side have taught me a lot about Judaism.....the Jewish people.....and the country of Israel. They are Messianic Jews, and so they have a very special place in their hearts for Israel....as do I.

The Jews are the apple of God's eye.....his first love. We, the gentiles, are the new comers, the adopted child of GREAT price. He loves us both....and none of us can come to the Father except by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, his only son. There is no replacement theology in His mind, just two lost children....and he deals with us differently.

As believing Gentiles, it is our responsibility to pray and intercede for....not scorn and turn away from....our lost brother, Israel.

This is my new favorite Christmas carol. The words alone make me want to weep. I can hardly sing this song without being on my knees crying out for the nation of Israel. This song beautifully displays God's heart for his people.


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 Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.

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 over the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
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 Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.