Day 1: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

     

     What could be a better beginning to the Advent season than, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"? The greatest longing of Israel, a Redeemer, would soon be fulfilled. All of the ancient prophecies would culminate in Him. This is a rich, old carol, and even I wasn't aware of all the verses!


Link to lyrics: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel". (Take a minute to read the top paragraph!)

The Baptist Hymnal (1991): #76

Questions for thought and discussion:
1. What does "ransom" mean?

2. Why did Israel need to be ransomed?

3. Are we included in Israel?

4. The song mentions both the "Rod of Jesse" and the "Root of Jesse". That speaks of King David's father. Why would this lineage be important to the Israelites?

Find the printable for the entire devotional series here. And be sure to check back for each day's review!