O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Posted by Ashley Hoover

I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about the really amazing fact that God came and dwelt among man. Mostly I’ve only ever thought about that during Christmas time and how neat it was that day that God would take the form of man and literally be “with us.” This year however I’ve realized in a new way that it doesn’t end there. God is still “with us.” As incredible as it was that day when Jesus was born and was with us in human form, even more awesome is the fact that He is with us every day in the form of the Holy Spirit for the believer. Even more than “with us” He is in us, guiding us, teaching us and helping us as we strive to become more like Christ. I had never heard this verse of O Come, O Come Emmanuel but it really expresses what this season is all about.

“Oh come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, oh Israel”

As believers we have a lot to rejoice about because of what God did when He chose to be with us, give His life for us and save us. The gift of salvation is better than anything this world can offer. His promise to always be with us also is a huge comfort in a world of so much uncertainty. Find comfort this year in the truth that God is still with us and will be forever.

“…they will call him Immanuel—which means, “God with us.” …And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 1:23b, 28:20b)

Have a very blessed Christmas!