This is one of those rare Advent anthems which is up-beat. Jan McGuire has fashioned a text that emphasizes the four traditional themes of Advent: hope, peace, love and joy. The melody and joyous accompaniment, with optional Flute and triangle, underscore the refrain's message of prophetic fulfillment: "Waiting for the promise, joyful news to tell: God will soon be with us. Come, Emmanuel!"