Thursday, January 16, 2020

Reflection - O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Chapter 12, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", Page 124.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Meditate on the various phrases used to address Jesus in this hymn.
PHOTO: Meditate on the various phrases used to address Jesus in this hymn. What do they mean to you personally?
The various phrases used to address Jesus in this hymn are Wisdom, the Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of the nations, Emmanuel (seven "O Antiphons" in total).

Biblical Insights from the Carol
Emmanuel
Emmanuel (translated from Greek) or Immanuel (translated from Hebrew) means 'God with us'. The first stanza addresses Emmanuel, the promised Messiah. "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This was fulfilled at the birth of Christ. Matthew records that Scripture was fulfilled when Jesus was born. "All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')" (Matthew 1:22-23).

The lines mention "captive Israel" suffering from "lonely exile here", which is reminiscent of Israel's history of slavery in Egypt and exile in Babylon. In both cases, God delivered His people. Likewise, we have the larger situation of the human race, trapped in the consequences of its sinful record. We languish until the Son of God appears - then we shall be liberated. So, just as Israel longed for the Messiah to liberate it, we also wait for the Saviour to free us.

The word "ransom" refer to payment made to release slaves in the slave market. Jesus paid the ransom to free us from slavery to sin and our captivity to its consequences. The "Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Or, as the writer of Hebrews explains: "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant" (Hebrews 9:15).

Wisdom
The second stanza addresses Jesus as "Wisdom from on high". In the Old Testament, wisdom was personified to represent Christ. The prophet Isaiah attributed the Messiah with the wisdom of the Old Testament.

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2-3)

God is described as One "whose wisdom is magnificent" (Isaiah 28:29). In the New Testament, Paul refers to Christ as the one "who has become for us wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30). Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). In Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). The words in the song look back at the truth that God created the universe with wisdom. "By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heaven in place" (Proverbs 3:19). If we remember that Christ is the Wisdom of God, then we can understand why John says of Christ, the Word of God, that "through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made" (John 1:3). Indeed, it would make sense why the writer of Hebrews also mentions that it was through Christ that God made the universe (Hebrews 1:2).

It is with this in mind that we can sing that Christ "ordered all things mightily", and pray to Him that He will show us the "path of knowledge" and guide us to walk in it. As the One who was at the creation of the universe and when each of us was created, He knows all about us and our world, and is the only true wise King who can lead us.

The Lord
The third stanza refers to Christ as the "Lord of might" and remembers how God gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai in "cloud and majesty and awe". In the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as the Lawgiver, who in His Sermon on the Mount repeatedly said, "You have heard that it was said . . . But I tell you . . ." (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 38-39, 43-44). He came to correct the misunderstandings concerning the law that were prevalent. He also issued a new commandment based on the law of Moses: that we should love one another (John 13:34). This is the "royal law" issued by Christ (James 2:8). The Lawgiver has come to take away our confusion and lost condition, to be our sure and strong Guide.

Root of Jesse
The "Rod of Jesse's stern" is how Christ is addressed in Stanza 4. Jesse was King David's father, and the prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be in the lineage of David. "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit" (Isaiah 11:1). "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the people; the nations will rally to him, and his resting-place will be glorious" (Isaiah 11:10). This descendant of David will be no ordinary king, for His "origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2), meaning that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem as prophesied in Scripture is no less than God himself.

This is why Jesus asked His opponents to explain why David wrote, "The Lord says to my Lord" (Psalm 110:1). How could David call his descendant "my Lord" unless the descendant was God himself (see also Matthew 22:41-45 and Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts 2:34-36)? It is the reason why Paul quotes Isaiah 11:10 to say that the Root of Jesse will "arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope" (Romans 15:12). The Messiah will not only save Israel, but all the nations of the world.

His coming has global and personal significance. He has the "power to save" (Stanza 4) and to deliver us from every foe. Above all, He will deliver us by giving "victory through the grave" (Stanza 4). Though we die, yet we shall live (John 11:25) as we receive eternal life from Him. Speaking of the resurrection that we all look forward to Paul declares, "'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He give us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). The Root of Jesse has conquered death and given us eternal life.

Key of David
Stanza 5 refers to Jesus as the "Key of David" - a phrase that is connected with prophecy. "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David: what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open" (Isaiah 22:22). Jesus applied this to himself as one who "holds the key of David", and what He opens, no one can shut, and what He shuts, no one can open (Revelation 3:7).

Because Christ holds the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:19), we pray to Him to hold open the door to heaven for us, and to protect us as we travel to the Father's house, shutting the doors to the "misery" (Stanza 5) of sin and brokenness. He has the absolute power to open and shut.

Dayspring
Stanza 6 refers to Christ as the "Dayspring from on High", similar to "Morning Star". This, again, is in line with what Scripture says of Christ. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2). "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you" (Isaiah 60:1-2). "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays" (Malachi 4:2).

Appeal is made to the Dayspring to rise upon the dark night to "disperse the gloomy clouds of night" and to put to flight "death's dark shadows". The situation on earth is gloomy but Jesus comes to bring a new day that will have no place for darkness. We long for that day.

King of the nations
The final stanza keeps our attention on the sad state of affairs in our broken and divided world, full of strife and war. We appeal to Christ as the "Desire of nations" to put an end to our strife. He alone has the authority and power to do it as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). He alone can break down the hostile barriers between people and make us one (Ephesians 2:14-16). He is at the heart of every nation's desire to find peace and hope, though many may not yet recognise it.


How eagerly are you asking Jesus to return to our world (Revelation 22:20)?
Most of us have heard a pastor or teacher quote Hebrews 9:27 which says “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,” but few go on to read the following verses that give us the foundation of our hope. Verse 28 reminds us that Christ “will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”

This is the promise we eagerly await! The work that Jesus began on the cross which saves us from sin will be completed at His second coming by delivering us from the wrath of God and granting us rest in His eternal kingdom.
 
So as children of God, let us not shrink away from the arrival of our Father, but say, with the same anticipation as the Apostle John, “Amen! Come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
Picture posted by Pastor Jeff Nelson on 27 November 2016 - Advent 2016, Sermons
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https://www.rofum.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/emmanuel.jpg
https://www.rofum.org/o-come-o-come-emmanuel/


Oh, come, oh, come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, our Wisdom from on high,
Who ordered all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her was to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, oh, come, our Lord of might,
Who to your tribes on Sinai's height
In ancient times gave holy law,
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come O Rod of Jesse's stem,
From ev'ry foe deliver them
That trust your mighty pow'r to save;
Bring them in vict'ry through the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, O Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, our Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by your drawing nigh,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night.
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

Oh, come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Oh, bid our sad divisions cease,
And be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

(Source: London Worship [St. Louis, Missouri: Concordia Publishing House, 1982], #31)
The origins of this Christmas carol can be traced to medieval liturgical practices in the Western church tradition.

PHOTO: The origins of this Christmas carol can be traced to medieval liturgical practices in the Western church tradition. The "O Antiphons" was a series of Magnificat (Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55) antiphons, each beginning with the vocation particle "O", sung from 17 to 23 December in churches during the season of Advent.
Picture saved by Elayne G. James to LIGHTBRIDGE SECRETS
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https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/360780620141602466/


History of the Carol [1]
The origins of this Christmas carol can be traced to medieval liturgical practices in the Western church tradition. The "O Antiphons" was a series of Magnificat (Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55) antiphons, each beginning with the vocation particle "O", sung from 17 to 23 December in churches during the season of Advent. Antiphonal singing is like responsive reading in worship services - two groups respond to each other in song. This was present in ancient biblical practice (Nehemiah 12:24, 31-39), and was adopted in Christian worship from the earliest of times.

The "O Antiphons" of Advent were sung during Vespers (Evening Prayers), and have been observed in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. Each day focuses on one aspect of Christ. Thus, through the seven-day period, the "O" is directed to (in order): Wisdom, the Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of the nations, Emmanuel (seven "O Antiphons" in total).

A metrical paraphrase based on the "O Antiphon" was later developed. A Latin hymn - "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" ("Come, Come, Emmanuel") - took that format, using the last "O Antiphon" in the series. It first appeared in Germany in 1710. It is from this Latin hymn that we get the English translation of the famous hymn we sing today. This translation appeared in its present form in Hymn Ancient and Modern in 1861. The translator was John Mason Neale, the man who also translated the other popular Christmas carol, "Good Christian Men, Rejoice". Neale had published an earlier version in 1851 in Mediaeval Hymns and Sequences, where the first line was "Draw nigh, draw nigh, Emmanuel".

The tune for the hymn had separate origins; it has been traced to fifteenth-century France. The tune and the earlier English translation by Neale were linked by Thomas Helmore in his Hymnal Noted in 1851.

James Neale's version had five verses. Two additional verses were later added and officially included in the Hymnal of the Episcopal Church in America, thus reflecting the seven "O"'s of the ancient O Antiphons.


This translation appeared in its present form in Hymn Ancient and Modern in 1861 - by John Mason Neale.
PHOTO: This translation appeared in its present form in Hymn Ancient and Modern in 1861. The translator was John Mason Neale, the man who also translated the other popular Christmas carol, "Good Christian Men, Rejoice".
Picture posted by glogster.com
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https://9044c4.medialib.edu.glogster.com/MaBbz268YIrdKAXubhZk/media/01/019a2dddd9f5f1d9e088e09985dbd4e9488167ff/johnmason.jpg
https://edu.glogster.com/glog/history-colony/1p8odvb6sf3?=glogpedia-source
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/11/reflection-good-christian-men-rejoice.html


Meditate on the various phrases used to address Jesus in this hymn. What do they mean to you personally? How eagerly are you asking Jesus to return to our world (Revelation 22:20)?

Meditate on the various phrases used to address Jesus in this hymn. What do they mean to you personally?
The various phrases used to address Jesus in this hymn are Wisdom, the Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of the nations, Emmanuel (seven "O Antiphons" in total).

Biblical Insights from the Carol [1]
Emmanuel
Emmanuel (translated from Greek) or Immanuel (translated from Hebrew) means 'God with us'. The first stanza addresses Emmanuel, the promised Messiah. "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This was fulfilled at the birth of Christ. Matthew records that Scripture was fulfilled when Jesus was born. "All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')" (Matthew 1:22-23).


Emmanuel (translated from Greek) or Immanuel (translated from Hebrew) means 'God with us'.

PHOTO: Emmanuel (translated from Greek) or Immanuel (translated from Hebrew) means 'God with us'. The first stanza addresses Emmanuel, the promised Messiah. "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).
Painting by Harry Anderson - Isaiah Writes of Christ’s Birth (The Prophet Isaiah Foretells Christ’s Birth)
Picture posted by Gospel Media, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX__vU13raqPEyCsNRVWj2rFpJhO2CiCrTLU5ICAz54Z-Jq7O90x07V2D6hUf6NnTWMdSJ_oriR4Ne8fvb-YauMl5yTniDP-aqeQSlKO7qgyx3SpjPbpaurZxtDYrk0p2CnkllV4uYpg/s1600/prophet-isaiah-foretells-christs-birth-39469-wallpaper.jpg
http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/gospel-art/old-testament/prophet-isaiah-foretells-christs-birth-39469-wallpaper.jpg
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media-library/images/prophet-isaiah-foretells-christs-birth-39469?lang=eng


The lines mention "captive Israel" suffering from "lonely exile here", which is reminiscent of Israel's history of slavery in Egypt and exile in Babylon. In both cases, God delivered His people. Likewise, we have the larger situation of the human race, trapped in the consequences of its sinful record. We languish until the Son of God appears - then we shall be liberated. So, just as Israel longed for the Messiah to liberate it, we also wait for the Saviour to free us.

The word "ransom" refer to payment made to release slaves in the slave market. Jesus paid the ransom to free us from slavery to sin and our captivity to its consequences. The "Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Or, as the writer of Hebrews explains: "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant" (Hebrews 9:15).


The word 'ransom' refer to payment made to release slaves in the slave market. PHOTO: The word "ransom" refer to payment made to release slaves in the slave market. Jesus paid the ransom to free us from slavery to sin and our captivity to its consequences.  "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant" (Hebrews 9:15).
Picture saved by Jahaziel to JW
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/539517230336686368/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/10/reflection-how-to-define-and-explain.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/11/reflection-jesus-our-creator-physician.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2018/02/reflection-making-sure-you-go-to-jesus.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/08/reflection-imitating-christ-in-our.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/04/reflection-jonah-gets-second-chance_13.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-angels-from-realms-of-glory.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/10/reflection-god-rest-ye-merry-gentlemen.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/12/reflection-o-come-all-ye-faithful.html


Wisdom
The second stanza addresses Jesus as "Wisdom from on high". In the Old Testament, wisdom was personified to represent Christ. The prophet Isaiah attributed the Messiah with the wisdom of the Old Testament.

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2-3)

God is described as One "whose wisdom is magnificent" (Isaiah 28:29). In the New Testament, Paul refers to Christ as the one "who has become for us wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30). Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24). In Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). The words in the song look back at the truth that God created the universe with wisdom. "By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heaven in place" (Proverbs 3:19). If we remember that Christ is the Wisdom of God, then we can understand why John says of Christ, the Word of God, that "through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made" (John 1:3). Indeed, it would make sense why the writer of Hebrews also mentions that it was through Christ that God made the universe (Hebrews 1:2).
In the Old Testament, wisdom was personified to represent Christ.

PHOTO: In the Old Testament, wisdom was personified to represent Christ. The prophet Isaiah attributed the Messiah with the wisdom of the Old Testament, ". . . the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding . . ." and "whose wisdom is magnificent".
Picture posted by 3D Wallpaper  
http://3dwallpaper001.blogspot.com/2011/03/


It is with this in mind that we can sing that Christ "ordered all things mightily", and pray to Him that He will show us the "path of knowledge" and guide us to walk in it. As the One who was at the creation of the universe and when each of us was created, He knows all about us and our world, and is the only true wise King who can lead us.

The Lord
The third stanza refers to Christ as the "Lord of might" and remembers how God gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai in "cloud and majesty and awe". In the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as the Lawgiver, who in His Sermon on the Mount repeatedly said, "You have heard that it was said . . . But I tell you . . ." (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 38-39, 43-44). He came to correct the misunderstandings concerning the law that were prevalent. He also issued a new commandment based on the law of Moses: that we should love one another (John 13:34). This is the "royal law" issued by Christ (James 2:8). The Lawgiver has come to take away our confusion and lost condition, to be our sure and strong Guide.


The third stanza refers to Christ as the 'Lord of might' and remembers how God gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai in 'cloud and majesty and awe'.

PHOTO: The third stanza refers to Christ as the "Lord of might" and remembers how God gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai in "cloud and majesty and awe".  In the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as the Lawgiver, who in His Sermon on the Mount repeatedly said, "You have heard that it was said . . . But I tell you . . ." (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 38-39, 43-44). He came to correct the misunderstandings concerning the law that were prevalent.
Picture posted by Pastor Tim Romero on Friday, 19 July 2019
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https://cccolumbia.org/connect/pastors-blog/exodus-19-9-11


Root of Jesse
The "Rod of Jesse's stern" is how Christ is addressed in Stanza 4. Jesse was King David's father, and the prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be in the lineage of David. "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit" (Isaiah 11:1). "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the people; the nations will rally to him, and his resting-place will be glorious" (Isaiah 11:10). This descendant of David will be no ordinary king, for His "origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2), meaning that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem as prophesied in Scripture is no less than God himself.

This is why Jesus asked His opponents to explain why David wrote, "The Lord says to my Lord" (Psalm 110:1). How could David call his descendant "my Lord" unless the descendant was God himself (see also Matthew 22:41-45 and Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts 2:34-36)? It is the reason why Paul quotes Isaiah 11:10 to say that the Root of Jesse will "arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope" (Romans 15:12). The Messiah will not only save Israel, but all the nations of the world.
The 'Rod of Jesse's stern' is how Christ is addressed in Stanza 4.

PHOTO: The "Rod of Jesse's stern" is how Christ is addressed in Stanza 4. Jesse was King David's father, and the prophet Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be in the lineage of David. "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit" (Isaiah 11:1). This descendant of David will be no ordinary king, for His "origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2), meaning that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem as prophesied in Scripture is no less than God himself.
Picture posted by Robin Palmer on 13 December 2013 at 11:32 am
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https://robinpalmer.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/stump.jpg
https://robinpalmer.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/sunday-8-december-a-root-a-shoot-from-jessie/


His coming has global and personal significance. He has the "power to save" (Stanza 4) and to deliver us from every foe. Above all, He will deliver us by giving "victory through the grave" (Stanza 4). Though we die, yet we shall live (John 11:25) as we receive eternal life from Him. Speaking of the resurrection that we all look forward to Paul declares, "'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He give us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). The Root of Jesse has conquered death and given us eternal life.

Key of David
Stanza 5 refers to Jesus as the "Key of David" - a phrase that is connected with prophecy. "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David: what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open" (Isaiah 22:22). Jesus applied this to himself as one who "holds the key of David", and what He opens, no one can shut, and what He shuts, no one can open (Revelation 3:7).
Stanza 5 refers to Jesus as the 'Key of David' - a phrase that is connected with prophecy.

PHOTO: Stanza 5 refers to Jesus as the "Key of David" - a phrase that is connected with prophecy. "I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David: what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open" (Isaiah 22:22).
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Because Christ holds the keys of the kingdom (Matthew 16:19), we pray to Him to hold open the door to heaven for us, and to protect us as we travel to the Father's house, shutting the doors to the "misery" (Stanza 5) of sin and brokenness. He has the absolute power to open and shut.

Dayspring
Stanza 6 refers to Christ as the "Dayspring from on High", similar to "Morning Star". This, again, is in line with what Scripture says of Christ. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2). "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you" (Isaiah 60:1-2). "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays" (Malachi 4:2).
Stanza 6 refers to Christ as the 'Dayspring from on High', similar to 'Morning Star'.

PHOTO: Stanza 6 refers to Christ as the "Dayspring from on High", similar to "Morning Star". This, again, is in line with what Scripture says of Christ. "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2).
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Appeal is made to the Dayspring to rise upon the dark night to "disperse the gloomy clouds of night" and to put to flight "death's dark shadows". The situation on earth is gloomy but Jesus comes to bring a new day that will have no place for darkness. We long for that day.

King of the nations
The final stanza keeps our attention on the sad state of affairs in our broken and divided world, full of strife and war. We appeal to Christ as the "Desire of nations" to put an end to our strife. He alone has the authority and power to do it as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). He alone can break down the hostile barriers between people and make us one (Ephesians 2:14-16). He is at the heart of every nation's desire to find peace and hope, though many may not yet recognise it.


The final stanza keeps our attention on the sad state of affairs in our broken and divided world, full of strife and war.

PHOTO: The final stanza keeps our attention on the sad state of affairs in our broken and divided world, full of strife and war. He alone can break down the hostile barriers between people and make us one (Ephesians 2:14-16). He is at the heart of every nation's desire to find peace and hope, though many may not yet recognise it.
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How eagerly are you asking Jesus to return to our world (Revelation 22:20)?
Most of us have heard a pastor or teacher quote Hebrews 9:27 which says “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,” but few go on to read the following verses that give us the foundation of our hope. Verse 28 reminds us that Christ “will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
Most of us have heard a pastor or teacher quote Hebrews 9:27

PHOTO: Most of us have heard a pastor or teacher quote Hebrews 9:27 which says “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,” but few go on to read the following verses that give us the foundation of our hope. Verse 28 reminds us that Christ “will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”
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This is the promise we eagerly await! The work that Jesus began on the cross which saves us from sin will be completed at His second coming by delivering us from the wrath of God and granting us rest in His eternal kingdom.


This is the promise we eagerly await!
PHOTO: This is the promise we eagerly await! The work that Jesus began on the cross which saves us from sin will be completed at His second coming by delivering us from the wrath of God and granting us rest in His eternal kingdom.
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/12/reflection-joy-to-world.html

 
So as children of God, let us not shrink away from the arrival of our Father, but say, with the same anticipation as the Apostle John, “Amen! Come Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
Dear Lord
Dear Lord


PHOTO: “Dear Lord, we learn the various phrases used to address Jesus as Wisdom, the Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of the nations, Emmanuel.

Emmanuel' means 'God with us’. We languish until the Son of God appears - then we shall be liberated. Meanwhile we wait for the Saviour to free us. Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that we may receive the promised eternal inheritance - now that He has died as a ransom to set us free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

Jesus is also addressed as ‘the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding’ and ‘whose wisdom is magnificent’. It is with this in mind that we can sing that Christ "ordered all things mightily", and pray to Him that He will show us the 'path of knowledge' and guide us to walk in it. As the One who was at the creation of the universe and when each of us was created, He knows all about us and our world, and is the only true wise King who can lead us.

Christ is also addressed as the ‘Lord of might’. He came to correct the misunderstandings concerning the law that were prevalent. He also issued a new commandment based on the law of Moses: that we should love one another. He is a Lawgiver, who has come to take away our confusion and lost condition, to be our sure and strong Guide.

The ‘Rod of Jesse's stern’ is another how Christ is addressed. This descendant of David will be no ordinary king, for His ‘origins are from of old, from ancient times’, meaning that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem as prophesied in Scripture is no less than God himself. The Root of Jesse has conquered death and given us eternal life.

Jesus is also addressed as the ‘Key of David’ because Christ holds the keys of the kingdom. He has the absolute power to open and shut. We pray to Him to hold open the door to heaven for us, and to protect us as we travel to the Father's house, shutting the doors to the ‘misery’ of sin and brokenness.

Christ is also the "Dayspring from on High", similar to "Morning Star". Although darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. We appeal to the Dayspring to rise upon the dark night to ‘disperse the gloomy clouds of night’ and to put to flight ‘death's dark shadows’. The situation on earth is gloomy but Jesus comes to bring a new day that will have no place for darkness. We long for that day.

We are having the sad state of affairs in our broken and divided world, full of strife and war. We appeal to Christ as the ‘Desire of nations’ to put an end to our strife. He alone has the authority and power to do it as the ‘Prince of Peace. He alone can break down the hostile barriers between people and make us one. He as King of the nations, is at the heart of every nation's desire to find peace and hope, though many may not yet recognise it.

We learn that Christ appearance for the second time will bring salvation to us who are waiting for him. This is the promise we eagerly await! The work that Jesus began on the cross which saves us from sin will be completed at His second coming by delivering us from the wrath of God and granting us rest in His eternal kingdom.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!”
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Reflection - O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Question from source (book): "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Chapter 12, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", Page 124.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012





Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
Reference
[1] From "Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, Copyright © 2017 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-11-6752-2, Chapter 12, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", Page 115-124.

[2] Karen Woodall, Eagerly Awaiting Jesus’ Return, https://blessedtransgressions.org/eagerly-awaiting-jesus-return/


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