A native of Danville, Kentucky[1], Harris started playing the piano by age 9. His first formal vocal training came when he attended college at Western Kentucky University, from which he graduated in 1969. He later became a part of the popular Gospel touring group "The Spurlows." He gained fame with both his solo work, and his work as part of the Gaither Vocal Band, headed by Gospel musician and recording executive Bill Gaither.
His many live and televised appearances include Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, The 700 Club, several Billy Graham crusades, the Trinity Broadcasting Network, numerous Gaither Homecoming shows, and his own Christmas special. In his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, Harris has made many appearances on the WHAS Crusade for Children, a long-running local telethon benefitting children's charities.
Of his many chart-topping songs, perhaps his best-known are his duets with Sandi Patty called, "More than Wonderful" and "I've Just Seen Jesus." His song, "Mighty Spirit" was featured in a 1993 television campaign for the Points of Light Foundation, headed by President George H. W. Bush; he performed the song for Bush and his wife Barbara at the White House.
Harris has received an honorary doctorate of music from Campbellsville University in central Kentucky. He was inducted into the Western Kentucky University Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1993.
Harris, his wife Cynthia, and children Lonnie and Teresa have lived in Louisville for more than three decades. Despite his schedule, Harris serves as a deacon in his home church, and previously served as its treasurer. Harris is well-known within the Gospel music industry for his reluctance to schedule performances that take him away from his family for any length of time.
from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larnelle_Harris
Rejoice Emmanuel
Larnelle Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Lord Himself shall give you a sign
A virgin shall conceive and bear a son
And shall call His name Emmanuel
My holy messenger to His temple will come
The lyrics of Larnelle Harris's song "Rejoice Emmanuel" speak about the promise of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as Emmanuel. The song is drawn from the biblical passages in Isaiah 7:14 and Malachi 3:1, which prophesize the coming of the Messiah as a sign from the Lord. The first verse of the song speaks about how the Lord himself will give a sign to his people. This sign refers to the birth of Jesus Christ- a child conceived by a virgin- who will be called Emmanuel, meaning 'God with us.' The second verse talks about the arrival of the Lord that we seek, which will be announced by a holy messenger coming to His temple. The song is an expression of joy and anticipation of the birth of the savior, and it invites all to join in rejoicing over this divine event.
The song offers a message of hope, reminding us that we have a savior who was sent to us by the Lord himself. It encourages us to celebrate and share the good news of the arrival of Emmanuel. The song's refrain of "Rejoice, Emmanuel" urges us to take pleasure in the fulfillment of God's promise.
Line by Line Meaning
Rejoice, Emmanuel
Be filled with joy, Jesus Christ (who was prophesied to come as the Messiah)
The Lord Himself shall give you a sign
God will provide a miraculous sign as proof of His power and love
A virgin shall conceive and bear a son
A woman who has never been with a man sexually will give birth to a boy
And shall call His name Emmanuel
The child will be named Emmanuel, which means "God with us"
The Lord that you seek shall suddenly appear
God, whom you have been patiently waiting for, will come unexpectedly
My holy messenger to His temple will come
An angel sent by God will arrive at the temple to announce the coming of the Messiah
Contributed by Caroline I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dougjames4972
Thank you!! This song is a gift from the Lord!!!
@URRGV
I would listen to this on a CD In the 90s. It always brought tears to my eyes.
@malgozata1875
Thank you for posting this. To me, this is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs. I absolutely love it. Have been searching all over internet for it. I am very grateful.
@eduardojohnson4509
It’s awesome...
@pedroeurico5409
Passando mal aqui, 18 anos que não ouvia isso meu Deus, amo esse CD
@URRGV
I have been trying so hard to find this CD, Love it sooooo much.
@Mayberryslawman.
Sandra Garrison Stone It’s on Amazon
@MaztrBlaster
Classic! thanks!! :)
@benmiddleton9984
woooo hoo!! Love this
@brianmears3388
Why am I listening to this on September 25th?