Does your family have an Advent calendar in your home during the Christmas season? The word Advent means “coming.” Advent is a time when we celebrate the coming of the Christ-child. There are many ways to celebrate Advent. Books and calendars are readily available with Scripture readings and stories about the coming of Christ. Many churches celebrate Advent by lighting a candle and reading a specific Scripture of the coming of Christ. Another way we celebrate Advent is by gathering together with friends and family and singing carols of the coming of Christ.
A popular carol, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, is a song of Advent. The song speaks of some of the names of Christ, the first being Emmanuel, God with us [Matthew 1:23]. Next the Lord is referred to as the Rod of Jesse. Christ came through the line of David, who was the son of Jesse [1 Samuel 1:16, Isaiah 11:1, Matthew 1:6, 16]. Christ is also called Day-Spring, “the dawn of the approaching eternal day” [Luke 1:78]. Finally, He is called the Key of David. Jesus is the key to eternal life. By coming to earth and dying on a cross for our sins, He unlocked eternity for us all [Isaiah 22:22].
As you celebrate the season of Advent, take time to meditate on the words of the carols of the season. They have been passed down from generation to generation and survived the test of time, because they carry the Gospel message and sing praises to the King we all anticipate.
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.