As we partake of the Christmas season and embrace all the beauty that this time holds, a favorite holiday tradition is singing the different Christmas hymns. One of the best-loved songs is, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” It’s easy to sing the song without really understanding the depth of its meaning or embracing the truths conveyed in this hymn.
The most well-loved verse and refrain of this hymn states:
“O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to thee, O Israel.”
Emmanuel is another word for Savior.
So, when we sing or hear that old hymn, we can ask our Savior, or Emmanuel, to come afresh into our lives, to come anew into our hearts, and to save us from anything that holds us captive.
Emmanuel was just one of the names or titles given to Christ. It also meant Deliverer.
At that time in history, when Isaiah was written and prophecies were given about a coming Savior, Israel was in captivity to Babylon—a cruel and oppressive ruler. Isaiah prophesied that Emmanuel would come to deliver Israel from bondage and that the Savior would one day set Israel free.
It is also a promise for us today!
The song is a reminder that we can embrace the truth of those words. We can invite Christ our Savior, or Emmanuel, to come and deliver us. He wants to free us from any bondage—be it fear, depression, anxiety, worry, addictions, or any type of suffering that would hold us captive. Emmanuel wants to bring His light, His joy, His life into our hearts afresh. He wants to free every captive person from any type of slavery or bondage.
Whether you sing the hymn or hear it over the Advent season, you can truly invite Him afresh into your life. May this song have new meaning for you this holiday season. O come Emmanuel!
“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and give birth to a Son and shall call His name Emmanuel, God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14)
Beloved:
I am your Emmanuel. I am your Deliverer and Helper. Do you not know that I have come to give you life and that more abundantly? I came to defeat every foe you face: for I am Emmanuel. I am God with you and for you. Invite me into your heart and life My beloved one.
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