O Emmanuel

O Emmanuel, our king and lawgiver, hope of the nations and their Savior: come!  Save us, O Lord our God!
 
You, Emmanuel, have been with us from the beginning.  You formed Adam from the dust of earth and blew life into his nostrils.  You drew Eve from his side and made her his companion.  You walked with them in the garden at the time of the evening breeze.  To all your creatures you say: “Do not be afraid.”
 
O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
 
You, Emmanuel, called Abraham and journeyed with him about the land of promise.  You stood beside Jacob by night and wrestled with him.  You spoke with Moses face to face as with a friend, and wandered with the people in the desert for forty years.  To each searching soul you say: “Do not be afraid.”
 
You search out my path and my lying down,
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
 
You, Emmanuel, revealed your presence to Elijah in the sound of sheer silence.  You put your hand on Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel to designate them prophets to the nations.  You showed them your glory and took over their bodies and their lives.  To all those you send, you say: “Do not be afraid.”
 
You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
 
You, Jesus, announced your coming in the flesh to Zechariah and Elizabeth, to Mary and Joseph.  You entered more fully than could ever be imagined into the bodies and lives of your people: bone of our bones and flesh of our flesh.  To each expectant heart, you say: “Do not be afraid.”
 
For it was you who formed my inward parts;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
 
You, Jesus, drank the cup of our human existence to the dregs, letting your body be broken, your spirit crushed.  You are a stranger to no suffering.  To all who are burdened by pain and sorrow, you say: “Do not be afraid.”
 
If I ascend to heaven, you are there;
    if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
 
You, Jesus, whom death could not hold captive, drew near to your fearful disciples, breathed on them your peace, and invited them to touch you.  To those who have not seen and yet believe, you say: “Do not be afraid.”
 
Where can I go from your spirit?
    Or where can I flee from your presence?
 
Have mercy on us, and come.