Day 1: O Come O Come Emmanuel

Day 1 of Advent

O Come O Come Emmanuel

This hymn is old with its text dating back over 1200 years, written in Latin as a chant used in a Vespers service. Over the next several hundred years, it made its way into a hymnal with the tune we know and love today. My mom and sisters all wish they were born in the medieval era, so naturally this song was a staple in our house. It’s message of hope is a perfect way to begin this advent season.
-Caleb

Listen to Kemper Crabb's "O Come O Come Emmanuel"

Include us in your day! Tag @piperandleaf and #piperandleafadvent

Scripture Reading for the Day

Isaiah 40:9-11

9 Zion, herald of good news, go up on a high mountain. Jerusalem, herald of good news, raise your voice loudly. Raise it, do not be afraid! Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Lord God comes with strength, and his power establishes his rule. His wages are with him, and his reward accompanies him. 11 He protects his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in the fold of his garment. He gently leads those that are nursing.

Activity for Today

Paper Chain Countdown

Make a paper chain by cutting 24 strips of paper and taping or stapling them linked together. Then, undo one of the links each day of Advent and watch the chain dwindle as the 25th draws nearer!

We put together a pdf printable that you can use to make your chain. Get 4 different colors of festively colored cardstock and load in your printer, and print the pdf. The pages have the days split up so the different colors will cycle through each day. As you cut, you will want to keep track of which day and make sure to tape them together in the right order!
Every day you can undo one of the chain links and if you'd like, look up the scripture verse for the day to read.

Click here for the scripture verses we referenced in our paper chain

Download the Paper Chain Verse Template!

Drifting Jasmine Amidst a Frosty Whisper of Minty Christmas Cheer.

Let's spill the tea about Front Porch Special...

Eloquent Description

Exactly what it sounds like. All the aching and crisp nostalgia of a hot-weather, portico-framed sunset, accompanied by a cicada symphony. Local jasmine and spearmint collaborate with bergamot-infused Assam and Ceylon black tea leaves to pull off this sublime take on Americana.

Ingredients

Ceylon Black Tea
Assam Black Tea
Jasmine Blossoms
Cornflowers
Spearmint
Bergamot Oil

Steeping Suggestions

For hot tea, steep one tea bag in 8 to 10oz of 208 F water for 3.5 minutes. For iced, use half the water(same temp), steep for the same time, and add ice after you pull the tea bag out.

Someone Else's Thoughts

"I am very picky about my tea, so I was skeptical about how good Piper and Leaf tea would be but after tasting Front Porch Tea I am convinced it is the best loose leaf tea I have ever tasted. I ended up ordering the gift jar special. So happy that I found Piper and Leaf tea.
P.S. I love the story of how the company got started!"
-Kyle

All about O Come O Come Emmanuel

Fun Fact!
My sisters are fascinated with all things medieval, especially Celtic music! Their love for the medieval era shines through all year round, but some of their most favorite medieval things are during the holiday season! Medieval Christmas music holds a special place in their heart, and "O Come O Come Emmanuel" by Kemper Crabb is one of their all time favorites to listen to this time of year!
Listen to Kemper Crabb's "O Come O Come Emmanuel"
O Come O Come Emmanuel
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.
About the Author
John Mason Neale was a man who loved bringing the old and the new together in a way that felt just right. Born in 1818, Neale was an English priest, scholar, and hymn writer, but what made him really special was his passion for translating ancient hymns into words that everyone could sing and understand. One of his most famous works is this Christmas hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”

Originally written in Latin centuries ago, Neale dusted off this beautiful old hymn and translated the lyrics to English, allowing it to echo in churches and homes around the world each Advent season. With its hopeful message and beautiful melody, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" reminds us all of the joy and light that’s just around the corner, especially as we gather with loved ones during the holidays. Neale's work connects us with centuries of tradition while filling our hearts with the wonder and anticipation of Christmas today.