Intro] (Warm acoustic guitar arpeggios gently layered with a soft Hammond B3 swell and a distant, crying pedal steel) [Verse 1] The joy of true life and the Spirit of beauty, At last in this heart I have found. Through the valley of trials and the heaviest shadow, I’m standing on Rock that is sound. He is my stronghold, my shield, and my buckler, The lantern that lights up the way. The case of my defense when accusations rise up, The anchor that holds through the day. [Chorus] God with us, Emmanuel, Christ the Messiah, The Living Word sent from above! He’s the Peace Giver wiping the sorrow away, Turning tears to pure rivers of love. Remover of heartache, restorer of souls, In His presence my spirit is bound. From the dust of the ground to the heights of His grace, Meaning and purpose I've found. [Verse 2] Like clay in the hands of the Master Designer, He’s spinning the wheel deep within. Molding and shaping these broken old vessels, Erasing the scars of our sin. Planting our feet by the clear living waters, Called trees of His righteousness tall. Firm as holy mountains of the Great I Am, Standing steady and answering the call. [Chorus] God with us, Emmanuel, Christ the Messiah, The Living Word sent from above! He’s the Peace Giver wiping the sorrow away, Turning tears to pure rivers of love. Remover of heartache, restorer of souls, In His presence my spirit is bound. From the dust of the ground to the heights of His grace, Meaning and purpose I've found. [Bridge] Fulfillment has come to the hearts He has chosen, Marked by His hand from the start. No prison of sorrow can capture this spirit, His mercy has healed every part. Thank You, Father God, for the blood of the Lamb, Thank You, Jesus, my shelter and peace. The storm lost its voice when Your glory appeared, And the praise in my chest will not cease. [Guitar & Organ Solo] (Emotive pedal steel solo soaring over sustained Hammond organ chords and a rising gospel drumbeat) [Chorus] God with us, Emmanuel, Christ the Messiah, The Living Word sent from above! He’s the Peace Giver wiping the sorrow away, Turning tears to pure rivers of love. Remover of heartache, restorer of souls, In His presence my spirit is bound. From the dust of the ground to the heights of His grace, Meaning and purpose I've found. [Outro] Meaning and purpose... Now have I found. Standing on the Rock... Firm on holy ground. Thank You, Father. Thank You, Christ. The Peace Given... Still Standing. (Gospel choir sustains the final chord, fading softly into an acoustic guitar resolve)
