[distant choir] **Veni... Veni...** --- [low male vocal] O come, O come, You nameless one, From where no morning Ever comes. We've kept the candles Burning low. We've called your name. Now let us know... --- [choir] **Veni... Veni...** --- [lead, softly] We begged for heaven. Something answered. --- [chorus] Rejoice... Rejoice... The waiting ends tonight. **Emmanuel...** Was never what arrived. --- [low organ / whispered vocal] Come through the doorway. Cross the line. Take what was holy. Make it mine. --- The bells are trembling, The candles bend, Every prayer Becomes your breath. No wings above us, No stars remain. Only your shadow Across the stained glass pane. --- [choir, growing] **Veni... Veni... Veni ad nos...** --- [lead] We called for a savior. [whisper] You came instead. --- [heavy chorus] REJOICE. REJOICE. THE WAITING ENDS TONIGHT. WE OPENED HEAVEN'S DOOR— **AND SOMETHING STEPPED INSIDE.** --- [instrumental breakdown] [whispered voices] Veni... Veni... Veni... --- [lead, intimate] Don't hide your face. You wanted proof. You wanted something to believe. [close whisper] Believe in me. --- [final chorus] O come, O come, You ancient one, The night is yours, The prayer is done. No dawn will break, No bells will cease— [choir] **Veni...** [lead] Give us salvation. [choir] **Veni...** [lead, quietly] Whatever that means. --- [everything fades except choir] **Veni... Veni... Emmanuel...** [whisper] Too late.
