O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #357, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” This beloved hymn is based on seven ancient “O” antiphons that were used during the last days of the season of Advent leading up to Christmas. The hymn uses the last of these antiphons for the first stanza, focusing our attention on the fact that Jesus comes to us as Emmanuel. He is our hope and joy to set us free from our captivity to sin. Jesus comes as the true Wisdom who orders creation. Jesus comes as the Lord over all who speaks His holy Law. Jesus comes as the King from the stump of Jesse who frees us from the devil’s domain of darkness. Jesus comes as the Key of David who opens the way to eternal life. Jesus comes as the Morning Star who dispels all the darkness of death. Jesus comes as the Desire of all nations who sets all things right in creation. For all this, we sing with great joy to Jesus, our Emmanuel, who comes to be with us. “The Hymns of Advent'' is a series on Sharper Iron that looks at a variety of the hymns found in the Advent section Lutheran Service Book. The season of Advent prepares us for Christ’s coming. The hymns of Advent teach that this is more than getting ready for Christmas; the Word of the Lord sung in hymnody helps us to receive Christ as He comes to us now in the means of grace and when He comes again in glory on the Last Day.