Emmanuel

Emmanuel

Tanya Polstra shares her thoughts on the song Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground) written by Chris Tomlin and Ed Cash. The lyrics are available below.

For 400 years, God was silent as Israel waited for His promise to change the world – then baby Jesus cried. Witnesses included lowly shepherds and esteemed wise men. 

I am inspired by this song because it makes me think of how God seems so silent about sign language deprivation. The 1880 Milan Conference is one of the worst tragedies in Deaf history. At the Milan conference, a declaration was made that educators would use only the spoken language approach (also known as oral language approach). Sign language in schools for the Deaf was banned around the world. The ideology of spoken language approach over sign language approach continues today, 140 years later, in various forms. The destruction of sign language, worldwide, almost occurred within 15 years after that conference.

The day that delegates voted sign language should be banned, the dignity and respect of all Deaf individuals were stolen and some destroyed. Deaf teachers and professionals lost their jobs and their purposes, as there was an overall decline in Deaf mentorship, coaching, and discipleship. Also, the quality of life and education of deaf students was negatively impacted. It’s amazing the powerful influence those who are against sign language had, and still have. But that’s not the end…

God will answer our prayers as he instructed Moses to confront Pharaoh to let his people go. God will answer our prayers as Nehemiah shared his heart with his community to build and strengthen Jerusalem again. God will answer our prayers as he appointed Esther to protect her people. God will answer our prayers as God himself became one of us to show us the rhythm of his heart so we may do what he is calling us to — build transformational relationships. When I look at the world map with each country on it, I think about how all of the world treats and marginalizes people with disabilities and Deaf people; especially children who have no language at all.

This whole Emmanuel of Christmas makes me think of “HOPE.” God is with us and he fights for us. We have to be still and wait on the Lord.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)

Chris Tomlin & Ed Cash, (c) 2009

What hope we hold this starlit night
A King is born in Bethlehem
Our journey long, we seek the light
That leads to the hallowed manger ground

What fear we felt in the silent age
Four-hundred years can He be found
But broken by a baby’s cry
Rejoice in the hallowed manger ground

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God incarnate, here to dwell
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Praise His name Emmanuel

The son of God, here born to bleed
A crown of thorns would pierce His brow
And we beheld this offering
Exalted now the King of kings
Praise God for the hallowed manger ground

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
God incarnate, here to dwell
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Praise His name Emmanuel

Oh, praise His name Emmanuel
Oh, praise His name Emmanuel