Day 18: A Song I Wish I Heard on the Radio

I am currently listening to the radio at work, so this is just the song I wish they would play right now.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by Sugarland

I loved this song the first time I heard it, and the first time we sang it in chapel. There's a quiet and beautiful power in the lines, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel" as well as just in the entire song as a whole. This time of year, I love to think of this name for Christ. Emmanuel, God with us. God cared so much for us that He came down to be with us, for our sake and not His own. The idea means so much to me, seems so crazy and beautiful, and the name "Emmanuel" sums that up and always triggers that place in my heart. 

This year, my friend put together a Christmas playlist for me to listen to on my Thanksgiving drive home, and he included this song as sung by Sugarland. It took my breath away, and I had to replay it. These guys have done a perfect job with this song, if you ask me. When Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush combine their voices, it creates the most beautiful sound in all of country music, with the exception of similar groups like Lady Antebellum. They have a great sound too. In fact, I would single out Lady Antebellum as my favorite country group, with Sugarland close behind.

In conclusion, this particular version of this song has become a Christmas essential for me and will stick with me for years to come, I am sure.