Day Eight: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O Come O Come Emmanuel is a beloved Advent and Christmas hymn. The text dates back to the 12th century, part of antiphons sung in monasteries during Advent anticipating the Messiah.

The opening stanza encapsulates Advent longing: “O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel.” It draws from Isaiah 7:14, the prophecy of the virgin birth of Jesus named Immanuel. Isaiah also prophesied the Messiah would comfort all who mourn (Is 61:1-3). Jesus fulfills this, proclaiming early in His ministry to “proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18).

The second verse continues connecting Christ’s first coming to longing for His second coming as King:

“O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell, Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave.”

This draws from Isaiah 11 about the root of Jesse bringing justice. It points to Revelation 1, depicting Christ declaring, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!” He conquered sin and death, setting us free from bondage to fear.

The final verse draws from Haggai 2:7, foretelling God filling the temple with glory, fulfilled in Christ. It beautifully captures Jesus’ prayer in John 17 for the unity of believers:

“O come, Desire of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.”

He prays we would be unified in God’s love as He and the Father are unified. This hymn expresses a deep longing for unity under Christ’s reign when He returns. Our divisions will cease when we are finally united together in Him.

As we reflect this Advent on the longing in O Come O Come Emmanuel, may we remember how Jesus fulfilled prophecy through His first coming and kindle hope that as heavenly King, He will complete the deliverance and restoration of His people when He comes again in triumph.