O Come O Come Emmanuel / Even So Come Devotional

The weaving together of the timeless carol "O Come O Come Emmanuel" and the modern worship anthem "Even So Come" takes us on a journey through history – from the expectant waiting of God's people for the coming Messiah to the present-day church's eager anticipation of His return.

 

1. Israel’s Captivity and Our Exile: The initial verses of "O Come O Come Emmanuel" echo the deep yearning of the Israelites in exile, awaiting their promised deliverer. This sentiment parallels our own spiritual exile. While we're not in Babylon, we often find ourselves ensnared by sin, longing for true freedom. But just as God promised a Savior to Israel, He promises us salvation and deliverance through Christ.

 

2. The Dayspring and the Dawning Hope: The call for the 'Dayspring' to come is a beckoning for light to pierce the profound darkness that the world was entrenched in. Today, as we navigate through a world often marked by despair, uncertainty, and shadows, the advent of Christ offers a beacon of hope. He is the light that dispels gloom, renews our spirit, and guides us on our path.

 

3. Waiting with Purpose: The bridges of the song remind us that waiting isn't a passive activity. As believers, we actively wait with purpose and hope. This waiting isn't rooted in uncertainty but is anchored in the firm promise of God. We anticipate not just Christ's return, but the full realization of His Kingdom here on earth.

 

4. The Desire of Nations: The call for the 'Desire of nations' to come is powerful. Jesus isn't just the hope of a select few but of all people. He brings unity, mending the divisions, ending strife, and establishing peace. He's the embodiment of heaven's peace that our world desperately needs.

 

5. A Church in Expectation: As the carol transitions to "Even So Come", we're shifted from the historical anticipation of Christ's first coming to the present longing for His second coming. Just as a bride eagerly awaits her groom, the Church stands ready, with hearts full of hope, longing for the King's return.

 

6. The Assurance of His Return: The song culminates in a profound truth that ties both the past and present together. Whether it was the Israelites in exile or believers today, the refrain remains the same - Emmanuel, God with us, shall come. 

 

Drawing from the key scripture in Titus, we're reminded that our hope isn't just wishful thinking but a confident expectation. Jesus, our great God and Savior, has already come once, bringing salvation, and He will come again, ushering in a new era of eternal peace and joy.

 

As we reflect on these songs and immerse ourselves in worship, let's allow our hearts to be filled with a renewed sense of hope. A hope that acknowledges the darkness but chooses to focus on the light. A hope that eagerly waits, knowing that our Savior, the Light of the World, has come and will surely come again.

 

Today, let's join our voices with believers across ages, cultures, and circumstances and proclaim with joyous hope: "O come, O come Emmanuel. Even so come, Lord Jesus come."

Titus 2:13 - "Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."