Although the author of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” ambled into history as “anonymous,” his poignant song has traveled from 12th century monasteries to modern-day hymn books. The mournful melody juxtaposed with the lyrical command to “rejoice” may strike some as peculiar, but for Christians, the song reaffirms our heart’s deep desire for Christ’s return, even in troubling times. O come, O come, Emmanuel… Whenever we sing this carol, we ask, not once, but twice that Emmanuel come. Perhaps the author who penned these words was so driven by a heartfelt longing for God’s return to earth that he felt he must ask twice for Emmanuel’s advent. Or maybe he wanted to remind us that the Savior would indeed come again. Israel’s cry in the first century was for the Messiah’s first appearance. Two thousand years later, we cry out for His Second Coming.

HT: Trevan Wax in O Come Again, Emmanuel: An Advent Meditation

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Public Domain

Surely This Is Our God – Words and Music by Megan Isaacson Copyright 2011 River Wild Ministries

About the Performer

Megan travels the U.S. and the world as a full-time lead worshipper and songwriter. She is the founder and president of River Wild Ministries, a non-profit organization passionate about leading the people of God, through music, to wholeheartedly respond to the love of God.

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