Advent: A Time to Reflect on the Hope We Have in Christ

With the approach of the Advent season, one of the most beloved Advent hymn texts, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, is in the forefront of my mind. This haunting melody is taken from a 15th-century requiem Mass. The tune, known as VENI EMMANUEL, is most often used on the first Sunday of Advent. It is traditionally paired with a text from the eighth century. The text is taken from a seven-verse poem used in call and response during vesper services. A metrical version appeared in the 13th century and was translated into English by John Mason Neal in the mid-1850s. The original text created a Latin reverse acrostic spelling “ERO CRAS,” which means “I shall be with you tomorrow!” It is particularly appropriate for the Advent season as we approach the day of Christ’s birth with anticipation and expectation. Each time we sing, play, or ring this hymn – there are some great choral, instrumental, and handbell arrangements available – we are reminded that we, as Christian believers, are caught in the “already but not yet” confluence of the Kingdom of God. Christ’s kingdom is both here now – but also not here yet.

In this hymn of pleading and longing, we identify with those waiting for Christ through ages past and ages to come. We are also reminded of the great acclamation “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again!” We long to be with Jesus. I hear the third verse of I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light by Kathleeen Thomerson echoing in my mind. Christ, we know you have already come; come again, Lord Jesus!

I’m looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
we shall know the joy of Jesus.

© 1970, 1975 Interpublications Inc., Celebration Publications

What can we gather from this to inspire our living in this coming season of hope and light? There is much to learn in the waiting. We are a people of hope! We understand “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). In our waiting, we explore the wonder of God’s gifts, delve into the mystery of the incarnation, and take the opportunity to share the love of Christ with those around us through prayer, music, and demonstrable actions. In our waiting we acknowledge the sovereignty of God as well as our reliance on the One who was and is and is to come.

Recommended reading: Isaiah 11:1–10

Prayer:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come. The glory of the LORD has risen upon you. Even though darkness shall cover the earth and over its people, the LORD will be your everlasting light” (Isaiah 60:1–2). Come to us, O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and our Lord, the anointed for the nations and their Savior: Come quickly and save us, O Lord our God. O come and save us.

O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel.