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DECEMBER 26 21 "And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." —Isaiah 9:6 M y favorite Christmas hymn is actually an Advent hymn, traditionally only sung in the days leading up to Christmas. It is a familiar, somber tune called "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." It doesn't feel very celebratory and doesn't bring to mind joyous Christmas rituals or family gatherings. In fact, the minor key causes reflection and thoughtfulness while the lyrics themselves call singers and listeners toward longing and lament. So why is this my favorite hymn? It focuses on the longing that should permeate the season of Advent. It recognizes and acknowledges the "lonely exile," "death's dark shadows," and "Satan's tyranny." These experiences are life's reality, and the hymn poetically and musically reminds us of life's challenges. Yet the hymn yearns for the day when the Rod of Jesse, the Day-Spring, the Key of David will come to cheer our spirits and bring freedom. There is reason to rejoice and hope in the midst of pain and burden. The experiences of grief, pain, and suffering lead us to a place of longing. When we face the injustice in our world, the brokenness of systems, institutions, and governments, along with the darkness in our own hearts, all we can do is yearn for someone to make it right. The yearning of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"—and our own yearning—directs us to one of the most hopeful titles given to Jesus, found in Isaiah 9:6–7: "Prince of Peace." Often, we interpret this to mean that Jesus will bring an end to conflict. That is true. However, peace is not only the absence of conflict; it is the establishment of all that is right. It is wholeness in relationships, just treatment and outcomes in society, and abundant provision for all. In fact, it is the flourishing of all people in communion with one another and God. This is the longing of our hearts. And this is what the Prince of Peace brings! When we read the news in the morning and hear the stories of mourning and loss, of oppression and injustice, of greed and selfishness and our hearts break with longing, the words of Isaiah and the lyrics of this hymn can help us to hold pain and hope together. The Prince of Peace will come, and when He does, all will be right. Patty Pell, MA Director of Justice and Mission Program Hearts of Longing