Finding the Real Jesus in the Music of ChristmasSample

Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel

When I was preparing for this devotional, I asked people close to me for their favorite Christmas songs. So, if you like the song choices, thank them. This song is one of my favorite Christmas songs. For me, this song is full of hope. It may be the most hope filled song of the season for me. Though this song obviously looks back on the salvational work of Jesus, it is written from the perspective of a prophet foretelling the future with a sense of both longing and excitement.

There is a dark tone underlying the lyrics of this song, acknowledging the dark place Israel was in during Jesus’ time. “…Israel that mourns in lonely exile here;” “Bid all our sad divisions cease.” At the same time, they welcome the light Jesus will bring to this time. “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel will come to thee oh Israel.” “From depths of Hell your people save and give them victory o’er the grave.” “And bring us comfort from afar!”

Jesus was the expected hope for Israel at His first coming. And He is the forthcoming hope for His followers looking forward to His second coming. The only real hope we have. “Oh come, oh come Emmanuel!... And be yourself our King of Peace.”