I tend to overlook the deep, theological content contained in many of the favorite Christmas tunes. Every year, however, it seems as though a familiar Christmas song gets me thinking. It can be a particular line in the song or simply the overall message being made. Both serve as a wonderful reminder of exactly what is being celebrated over the Christmas season.
This year my brain began swirling as I sang O Come O Come Emmanuel at chapel. I used to think it was a slow song with dark images. Now I know its a slow song with dark images. However, the images a meant to stress the need for Emmanuel to come. To do this each of the five verses follows a similar structure.
First, there is a plea for the Lord's promised one to come. Interesting is how the name of the promised one changes with each verse. The names proceed in the following way: Emmanuel, Rod of Jesse, Day Spring, Key of David, Lord of might. I would love to do a Scriptural study on the meaning behind each of these names. On the surface, it is clear the promised one was from the line of David further depicting the servant's role as Messiah and King. God was coming to His people in flesh.
After the plea, the purposes for the coming of God's servant are laid out. Again a further look into Scripture will probably show a connection between the name and function requested. But here are a few of the reasons why the promised one had to come: ransom captives, free...from Satan's tyranny, victory over the grace, cheer our spirits, death's dark shadows put to flight, open wide our heavenly home. These various reasons all show the dark reality of Christ's coming. He came to confront sin, Satan, and death head on. He was coming to wrestle His people away from their spiritual exile. He was going to open up to them the promise land through His victory over the enemies of God.
With the plea and purposes (the coming alliteration was not intentional, but it does fit) set, the chorus heaps on the praise. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to thee O Israel! Knowing God's promised one was coming provided all the reason to exalt the name of God. Christ's arrival on the scene brought with it the greatest news men would and will ever hear. It inaugurated the beginning of the end for Satan and his allies. No longer would God's people be left in exile, but received with open-arms in the presence of the King. Christ was going to do what no else could do to the praise of God's glorious grace!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to thee O Israel!
This year my brain began swirling as I sang O Come O Come Emmanuel at chapel. I used to think it was a slow song with dark images. Now I know its a slow song with dark images. However, the images a meant to stress the need for Emmanuel to come. To do this each of the five verses follows a similar structure.
First, there is a plea for the Lord's promised one to come. Interesting is how the name of the promised one changes with each verse. The names proceed in the following way: Emmanuel, Rod of Jesse, Day Spring, Key of David, Lord of might. I would love to do a Scriptural study on the meaning behind each of these names. On the surface, it is clear the promised one was from the line of David further depicting the servant's role as Messiah and King. God was coming to His people in flesh.
After the plea, the purposes for the coming of God's servant are laid out. Again a further look into Scripture will probably show a connection between the name and function requested. But here are a few of the reasons why the promised one had to come: ransom captives, free...from Satan's tyranny, victory over the grace, cheer our spirits, death's dark shadows put to flight, open wide our heavenly home. These various reasons all show the dark reality of Christ's coming. He came to confront sin, Satan, and death head on. He was coming to wrestle His people away from their spiritual exile. He was going to open up to them the promise land through His victory over the enemies of God.
With the plea and purposes (the coming alliteration was not intentional, but it does fit) set, the chorus heaps on the praise. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to thee O Israel! Knowing God's promised one was coming provided all the reason to exalt the name of God. Christ's arrival on the scene brought with it the greatest news men would and will ever hear. It inaugurated the beginning of the end for Satan and his allies. No longer would God's people be left in exile, but received with open-arms in the presence of the King. Christ was going to do what no else could do to the praise of God's glorious grace!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to thee O Israel!
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