“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
The haunting and ancient song “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” includes words that speak of oppressive, even terrifying situations. Captivity, mourning, tyranny, and gloom are only some of the shadows that darken these verses. Yet, strangely, we are repeatedly told to rejoice! Emmanuel shall come!
We know that Christ has come, and we know He is Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). So how are we to sing this song? Why do we sing as though we are still captives and waiting for the arrival of Jesus? Is it a reminder of what He has already accomplished? Is it a rehearsal for difficulties yet to come? Is it a reinforcement of the message we carry to a dying world? It is all three! But maybe most importantly, this song is a restatement of the true nature of joy. Acts 16 tells the story of Paul and Silas stripped, beaten severely, and placed in stocks in the innermost dungeon in Philippi. Yet in the dead of night, other prisoners unexpectedly hear them praying and singing songs of praise! Joy exists without the presence of happy circumstances. It is fed by the Spirit’s reassurance that God is faithful, even before we see evidence of His trustworthiness.
When the world pushes us toward fear, panic, and discouragement, remember Emmanuel! God is with us, and He is always faithful. He can be trusted! REJOICE! REJOICE! Emmanuel shall come!