O Come O Come Emmanuel, Part 1
by Ryan McAllister on November 29th, 2025
My favorite Christmas hymn is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” I absolutely love it. To me, it’s one of the most beautiful songs we sing at any point in the year. The melody and lyrics work together to produce a haunting, yearning ache that perfectly captures the longing at the heart of Advent. And its history is among the oldest in the Christian liturgy—rich with depth, Scripture, and even a “hidden message” woven into the ancient text. Over the next four weeks, leading up to Christmas Eve, I want to walk with you through this hymn’s background and its profound theological meaning. Read More