An Advent plea

St. Augustine prayed to the Lord: “Our hearts are restless unless they rest in Thee.”

I would suggest that many of us have restless hearts, hearts that struggle from time to time with confusion, with fear and anxiety. Well, if that is so then we need a Savior. And what better time than now, during this grace-filled season of Advent, to recognize that need and to reach out to God and beg him to come and set us free.

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel” are the words in that favorite Advent hymn that express our deep longing for the Lord. Perhaps during these beginning days of the season, we can sing or hum that hymn many times during the day, letting it be a prayer that rises up to God from our heart.

O Come, O Come Emmanel and ransom captive Israel.  That mourns in lowly exile here, until the Son of God appear.  Rejoice!  Rejoice! O Israel.  To thee shall come Emmanuel!