Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,
and will call him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
Reflection
Advent is a season of watching, and worship. Each candle we light tells part of the account of God’s redeeming work, guiding us week by week toward the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, His glorious return, and beyond. Yet before any flame is kindled, we must remember the Name Immanuel (God with us). His presence is the spark that lights the flame of Advent. Without Him, the there is no flame; with Him, hope, peace, joy, love, and His glorious return burn brightly.
This devotional series, From Bethlehem to Glory, invites you to walk through the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, Christ, His Glorious Return, and Beyond Advent. Each devotion is anchored in Scripture and paired with a hymn that gives melody to our longing and praise. Together, these devotions form a rhythm of reflection and worship, reminding us that Advent is not only about remembering Christ’s first coming but also about preparing our hearts for His second coming.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
The church has been singing its yearning for God’s presence in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
This hymn captures the heart of Advent anticipation. It is a cry from the Israelites when they are in exile. It is a prayer from longing hearts and a pleas for God to draw near. The lyrics remind us that waiting is filled with hope that Emmanuel, will come.
When we sing this hymn at the beginning of Advent, we join generations of believers who have lifted their voices in expectation. Our anticipation is shaped into worship, as longing becomes prayer and waiting becomes praise. Advent does not begin with fulfillment, it begins with yearning, and this hymn gives a voice to this godly desire.
Carrying the Flame
As you begin this walk through the Advent season, take time to reflect on the hope you are waiting to see fulfilled. Where do you long for Christ’s hope, peace, joy, love, and glorious return to break into your life? Allow your longing and expectation for Christ to be transformed into acts of praise, prayer, and devotion.
Prayer Father, we wait for You with longing hearts. Shine Your light shine in our darkness, calm our fears with Your peace, and keep us watchful for Christ’s return. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Click here for: “The First Flame: Hope in the Darkness”
NOTE: Immanuel and Emmanuel are both correct spellings.
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