In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it’s easy to forget that the heart of Advent is not just about celebration but longing. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” one of the oldest and most cherished Christmas hymns, captures this beautiful tension.
Written originally by monks over 1,000 years ago, it echoes God’s people’s deep, ancient longing for a Savior. In its haunting refrain, we are reminded of the promise that God would come to dwell with us, not only in the past but still today. Today, we sing the words in English, translated by Anglican priest John Mason Neale.
The lyrics of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” reflect the themes of hope and anticipation in Scripture. In their exile and suffering, the people of Israel waited for the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” The word “Immanuel” means “God with us.” For centuries, God’s people hoped for the coming of the Messiah—a Savior who would bring them peace, deliverance, and restoration. This hope was not just wishful thinking; it was rooted in the steadfast promises of God.
In Isaiah’s time, King Ahaz faced overwhelming political and military challenges. He was tempted to trust human alliances, but the Lord called him to trust in His more excellent plan. Ahaz’s failure to trust is a stark reminder of how easy it is to rely on our understanding in the face of difficulties. Yet God’s promise to him was clear: the Savior would come.
And centuries later, in Matthew 1:18-25, we see the fulfillment of that promise in the birth of Jesus. Troubled and uncertain about Mary’s pregnancy, Joseph received a divine assurance from an angel of the Lord: the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and He would be the long-awaited Immanuel—God with us.
This truth—that God is with us—forms the bedrock of our hope. Jesus didn’t just come to fulfill an ancient prophecy; He came to change the course of history and offer us lasting peace. His presence among us, through His life, death, and resurrection, means that God is not distant or detached from our struggles. He is near.
He is so near that He dwells within every believer through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16). This is not just a temporary presence but a promise of eternal communion. Revelation 21:3 assures us that a day is coming when God will dwell with His people forever, in a new heaven and earth, where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or separation.
As we reflect on this, we are invited to ask ourselves: Is God truly with me? Are there areas in my life where I am tempted to trust my strength, resources, or relationships instead of the God who has always promised to be with me? How can I make space for His presence in my everyday life?
The hope of the Messiah’s coming is not just a past event; it’s a present reality and a future promise. Jesus came to be with us, He is with us now, and He will be with us forever. This truth anchors us in both our joys and struggles. Whatever we face today, we can be assured that God is with us. As we meditate on His presence, may our hearts be filled with the peace and hope that comes from knowing that the Savior has come, is with us, and will be with us forever.