O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” can be heard playing on both secular and sacred radio programming throughout the entire Christmas season. Originally written in Latin the hymn has its origins over 1,200 years ago in monastic life in the 8th or 9th century. It was a part of the “O Antiphons” which were selected pieces sung responsively by monasteries for seven days before Christmas Eve.

The 1851 translation by John Mason Neale from Hymns Ancient and Modern is the most prominent by far in the English-speaking world, but other English translations exist. Translations into other modern languages (particularly German) are also in widespread use.

The English words penned to this hymn almost a century and a half ago still carry that same vexing message. Written to Israel, a nation in bondage to Rome at the time, it was urging the arrival of the Messiah for deliverance of a nation and the spiritual renewal of its people. Today as we listen to those words that same plea for a nation’s deliverance and the spiritual renewal of its people applies not only to the nation of Israel but also Ukraine, the United States and other nations of the world.

The nation of Israel finds itself embroiled in a war with a terrorist group occupying the neighboring country of Palestine. Innocent civilians along with the militant components of both parties are being killed without a negotiated settlement in sight for the near future.

The nation of Ukraine finds itself facing another long winter of trying to gain back control of Russian occupied Ukraine territory. Despite severely reducing the Russian offensive capability they now are facing formidable defensive barriers to progress while allied support is wavering.

In the United States, as we are finally seeing some slow economic recovery from the effects of the 2020 pandemic, our political state is anemic. Our Congress is severely dysfunctional, content to be occupied with political vengeance in lieu of governing. We are about to face elections next year with the leading political opponent to our current president openly promising to move our country to an autocracy by promising to be a dictator “only on day 1.”

Each of these physical circumstances requires a spiritual intervention similar to the Israel of old described with the words “O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.” We need a ransom, that is, someone with the capability to deliver each of these nations from the captivity of their unique circumstances. There is only One with the ability to deliver a nation while providing a pathway out of spiritual darkness. That is Emmanuel, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Dear Lord Jesus, during this season of celebration, we ask you once again to come and deliver our nations and renew our people once again. Let your peace and love reign and rule in our hearts. Amen.