Earlier this week I greeted a store clerk with “Merry Christmas” and in return received a beaming smile.
“You’re the first person to say that to me this year!” she enthused. “Merry Christmas to you too!”
Technically, this woman and I were rushing the season by several weeks. According to the centuries-old church calendar, the Christmas celebration only extends from December 25 to January 6.
In these three to four weeks (depending on the year) leading up to Christmas, we ought to be offering one another a different greeting: “Happy Advent.”
And what exactly is Advent? The word comes to us from Latin, adventus, which means coming. It’s a season not just of waiting for Christmas, but also a time to anticipate the second coming of Christ.
For that reason, many churches will sing the ancient Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” perhaps this Sunday. Dating from the eighth century, it’s probably the oldest song of the season that we still sing today.
It’s also considered one of the most important songs in the history of the Christian faith [1]. The lyrics beautifully weave together the Old and New Testaments, telling the story of our Messiah, “the chosen one,” who would come to deliver his people from the consequences of their sins and establish his kingdom forever [2].
Each verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” directs our spiritual eyes toward Christ’s return by remembering his first coming, then hoping, anticipating, and yearning for his second coming [3], expressed in the soulful tune of the verses.
In contrast, the assertive “Rejoice! Rejoice!” of the refrain conveys the joy of assurance: Our Emmanuel has come, he is with us now in spirit, and he will come again “in the same resurrected, glorified body in which He ascended to heaven” [4].
The unknown lyricist carefully based each stanza on scripture. You’ll find a number of references listed at the end of this post for further reflection.
Please join me over the next few weeks as we delve into the meaning of this grand hymn.
Today we’ll consider verse one and the refrain that put us in the first century with those who ached for the Messiah to come. And yet the lyrics also speak to us today as we long for him to return.
I praise you, Lord Jesus, for being my Emmanuel (“God with us”) [5].
You are with me when:
- Frustrations build
- Fear begins to rise
- Circumstances overwhelm
- Disappointments deflate my spirit
- My heart aches
You are with me to:
- Help in every situation
- Supply guidance, strength, comfort, provision, and more
- Fill my heart with your fullness of joy as I focus on who you are and what you’ve done
- Grant me peace of mind as I trust in you
- Give me hope based on your fail-proof promises
I praise you, Lord Jesus, for these facets (and many more) of the abundant life you offer, when I avail myself of your enduring influence.
Even so, like the captive Jews in Babylon centuries ago, many mourn in exile here [6]. This world is a painful place as self-centeredness, greed, injustice, rage, war, lust and more create havoc. We long for your kingdom of righteousness, justice, peace, love, joy, and prosperity.
Yet I still praise you, Lord Jesus! When the time was right, you came to pay the ransom for our souls and release us all—Jew and Gentile alike–from the bondage of sin and Satan [7].
Then you invite us to dwell in your spiritual kingdom with you. And those of us who accept your invitation will one day dwell in your wondrous heaven.
Even now as we grieve the suffering caused by sin and imperfection, we rejoice that when the time is right, you will return to earth, Lord Jesus, to end all suffering and receive us into your flawless and glorious kingdom.
Thank you, dear Christ, for making it possible.
[1] Ace Collins, Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, 127.
[2] Isaiah 59:20; John 1:40-49; Romans 6:23; Revelation 11:15
[3] https://www.danielim.com/2017/12/19/the-hidden-theology-and-history-of-o-come-o-come-emmanuel/
[4] https://carm.org/about-jesus/will-the-second-coming-of-jesus-be-a-literal-bodily-return/
[5] Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
[6] Psalm 137:1-4; Psalm 119:136-138
[7] Luke 4:18; Romans 2:11-21
Photo credits: http://www.picryl.com; http://www.pixexid.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.stockvault.net (Mirko Fabian); http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (George Hodan).
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Advent feels so short this year with Christmas day being on a Monday. But it is now almost upon us. Thanks for sharing your reflections. It’s always nice to slow down enough during December to make room for peace when chaos around us is trying to speed things up.
AMEN to that last statement, Lisa! December is surely the most challenging month for maintaining the habit of quiet time with our Savior. On the other hand, it may be the month we need it most, given the long to-do list. Besides (and more importantly) how can we leave out the Guest of Honor from his own birthday celebration?!
Thank you for sharing God’s promises and welcoming in the advent season with your discussion of such a beautiful hymn. 🙂
You’re welcome, Nancy. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is full of golden truth. It’s well worth studying closely. The poet also included a delightful surprise, which I’ll reveal in an upcoming post!
You have piqued my curiosity! 🙂
Happy Advent Nancy! O Come, O Come Emmanuel is one of my favorite Christmas hymns. There is such a haunting quality to you as it traverse the heart cry of the past, present, and future. Looking forward to delving deeper into it with you.
Thank you, Beth, for coming along on our journey through this Advent hymn. You’ve chosen a perfect adjective for the melody. It is indeed haunting! And I LOVE your expression for our meditation: traversing the heart cry of the past, present, and future. That too is perfect!
Nancy, I love O Come, O Come Emmanuel. After I comment I must sit down and play it on the piano. I had no idea the hymn was ancient. The lyrics are beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you love this hymn, Pam. I pray you’ll enjoy and be blessed as we explore the depths of the lyrics together. I’d love to be there to hear you play the hymn on your piano, Pam! (And peek into your dining room to see one of your gorgeous tablescapes!!)
I look forward to this series. What a lovely way to walk together through Advent!!
Thank you, Jean. The lyrics of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” are rich with meaning. I pray by the end of this little series, we all come away with greater awe for the miracle of Christmas that extends through all time.
Wonderful post! Happy Advent to you! Thank you for sharing so much inspiration here in this Advent meditation.
You’re welcome, Linda. I’ve been inspired myself by the research and reflection. I always pray that readers find inspiration and uplift here!
So grateful for his coming: In Bethlehem! In this very moment! In the future when he makes all things new!
Amen, Michele. You’ve highlighted glorious realities of our faith. Praise God he has all things under control!
Happy Advent, a beautiful prayer, and a wonderful post, Nancy!
Thank you, Crystal. Praise God for his inspiration, and a Happy Advent to you!
My book club is studying Tish Harrison Warren’s book Advent, and I am learning so much about Advent from the viewpoint of believers who follow the traditional liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer. The church of my childhood did not really focus on Advent except as a time to look forward to Christmas and celebrate the birth of our Savior. Your post ties in so well with our study.
Per your last statement: How about that? The church of my childhood did not emphasize Advent either, but I’ve learned more as an adult. As Kimberlee Conway Ireton points out in her book, The Circle of the Seasons, “Advent reminds us to pay attention, to be on guard, to keep watch that we might be ready for Christ when he comes again!” I appreciate that added dimension of expectation of his return in addition to the expectation for Christmas, making this season even more meaningful.
Nancy, thankyou for sharing this. It is lovely to delve deep into this beautiful hymn and what it means.
Happy Advent.
You’re welcome, Manu. It’s been a worthwhile pursuit, journaling through some of the grand old hymns and studying more closely the meaning of the lyrics. This Advent hymn has been no exception!
Merry Christmas to you and Steve and all the sword jousters big and small.
Thank you, Sam! Maybe the real fencer in the family (our oldest granddaughter) can teach us some new techniques when she comes for Christmas! I pray you enjoy a blessed Advent season as well.
Emmanuel- God with us. A beautiful truth
Isn’t it though?! Praise God for even wanting to be with us!
Because He came – I am living not just merely alive! So grateful. Thank you for this timely reminder Nancy.
It IS a wonderful thing to enjoy the abundant life Jesus came to offer. I’m enormously grateful too!
That song “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” has been one of my favorites since childhood. Thank you for this exposition. ❤
You’re welcome, Anna! And a Happy Advent, as we await His coming.
Our pastor’s sermon was on this very song last Sunday!
I like the reminder you noted here: It’s a season not just of waiting for Christmas, but also a time to anticipate the second coming of Christ.
May we choose to slow down this advent season to enjoy the true, deep meaning of Christmas.
Amen, Alicia! Quiet celebration in the heart that Jesus is our Lord Emmanuel, our Bread of Life, our loving Shepherd, and more, will add layers of joy to the Advent and Christmas seasons.
❤️I love that studying about our Lord never expires, there’s so many opportunities to learn more through reading His word etc and we can in turn grow and share our knowledge, and more importantly the wisdom we’ve gained, with others!
You speak truth, my friend! I grew up in a Christian home, and accepted Jesus into my life at age four. All these decades I’ve been learning more and more from God’s Word and other sources, yet continue to make fascinating, inspiring, and/or helpful discoveries. The Bible never grows old!
I love that!❤️and no it doesn’t grow old!!
Nancy, ‘ O Come, O Come’ is the perfect hymn to be singing these days, maybe even more than ever. So much rich wisdom, truth and yearning in its sacred verses. Thanks for sharing with us here.
You’re welcome, Linda. I agree, it’s a hymn especially appropriate for times such as these. The words offer such hope and encouragement for our faith!
What a blessing to always find you showing us the way to Jesus. Thank you for being a steady and unmovable mile marker pointing to the Lord! Your words are a balm!
Thank you, Heidi, for your kind words. Praise God you find balm here! P.S. Was so glad to see your name in my inbox, indicating you’d posted a new poem and/or essay. I’ve missed you here in the blogosphere!
You know, life (maybe the Lord?) can put you out for a while. But hopefully (and by God’s grace) I will post a bit more frequently. After all, our pauses help us gather more material to write about 🙂
Indeed!
Thank you for this beautiful post about the wonderful hymn. The church I grew up attending didn’t address The Advent in any depth. This is a much appreciated rendering. This part “Even now as we grieve the suffering caused by sin and imperfection, we rejoice that when the time is right, you will return to earth, Lord Jesus, to end all suffering and receive us into your flawless and glorious kingdom” is so encouraging as we await the Rapture.
Praise God you found encouragement here, Cheri. A blessed Advent to you, dear friend!
I was just reading this week how God has always wanted to be with His people, first in the wilderness tabernacle and ultimately in the coming of Jesus. He doesn’t shy away from our dirty sinful world in order to come to us, or our sinful hearts. Emmanuel! And He is coming again! What an uplifting and promising truth you have presented so well in this old Christmas hymn, Nancy!
Thank you, Patty. I greatly appreciate the insight you’ve added here, that God WANTS to be in relationship with us, he doesn’t just put up with us. What a welcoming, gracious God he is!