The hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel….. is believed to have originated in 12th century Rome and articulates the deep longing of the Jewish people who awaited the One who would be the Deliverer, the Mighty One, the Royal Descendant, the Rising Sun and the One who holds the Keys.
Filled with Hope and Pathos
It is pregnant with hope and filled with pathos when the Jewish followers of Christ (Messianic Jews) sang the hymn – for their personal encounter with the Promised One has only deepened their expectation of justice and righteousness in the world.
As followers of Christ sing the hymn in this season, we reflect on the various injustices against the poor and pray that “the Rising Sun will shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide us into the path of peace”.
Hope of the Living Christ
Christmas has nothing to do with Xmas – the counterfeit commercial & consumerist misappropriation of Christ. It has everything to do with the hope of the living Christ who will “shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death”.
This is not just a religious or spiritual matter. Christ is resurrected and living in all worlds. And in this material one as well.
