Chris Tomlin - Emmanuel Lyrics

Emmanuel Video

Emmanuel Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Emmanuel: A Song of Worship and Hope

Introduction:

"Emmanuel" is a powerful and uplifting song by the renowned Christian artist Chris Tomlin. It is the title track of his upcoming Christmas album, "Emmanuel: Christmas Songs of Worship."

Key Messages of the Song:

The song "Emmanuel" carries several key messages that are presented chronologically throughout its lyrics. Let's examine these messages and their significance:

1. The Hope of the Savior's Birth:
The song begins by expressing the hope and anticipation surrounding the birth of Jesus. It references the starlit night in Bethlehem and the journey of the wise men who sought the light that would lead them to the hallowed manger ground. This message emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior and the joyous anticipation of His arrival.

2. The Silent Age and the Breaking of Silence:
The second verse reflects on the four-hundred-year period known as the silent age, during which there were no prophetic words from God. However, this silence is broken by the cry of a baby, signifying the birth of Jesus. The lyrics evoke a sense of awe and wonder at the profound impact of a single moment, as the cry of a baby changes the course of history.

3. The Incarnation of God:
The chorus declares the truth of Emmanuel, which means "God with us." It emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus and His incarnation, where God Himself takes on human flesh to dwell among His people. This message highlights the significance of Jesus' birth as the fulfillment of God's promise to be present with His people.

4. The Sacrificial Love of Jesus:
The following verse acknowledges the purpose of Jesus' birth, which was to ultimately sacrifice Himself for the redemption of humanity. It mentions the crown of thorns that would pierce His brow, symbolizing the suffering and crucifixion that Jesus would endure. This message reminds listeners of the immense love and sacrifice Jesus demonstrated through His death on the cross.

5. The Exaltation of the King:
The final verse speaks of Jesus' exaltation as the King of kings. It celebrates His triumph over sin and death and acknowledges Him as the ultimate object of praise and worship. This message invites listeners to join in praising God for the hallowed manger ground where Jesus was born.

Meaning and Inspiration of the Song:

The song "Emmanuel" carries a profound meaning rooted in the biblical narrative of the birth of Jesus. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire to be present with His people. The inspiration for the song likely came from the biblical accounts of Jesus' birth, particularly the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, which states, "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means 'God with us')."

The lyrics of "Emmanuel" capture the awe and wonder surrounding the birth of Jesus, highlighting the significance of His incarnation and the ultimate purpose of His coming – to reconcile humanity to God through His sacrificial love. The song inspires listeners to reflect on the profound impact of Jesus' birth and to respond in worship and praise.

Critical Analysis of the Song's Biblical Foundation:

In evaluating the biblical foundation of "Emmanuel," it is important to assess whether the song accurately aligns with the teachings of Scripture. Let's examine the key messages of the song and analyze their biblical basis:

1. The Hope of the Savior's Birth:
The anticipation and hope surrounding Jesus' birth is well-founded in biblical prophecy. The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies foretelling the coming of a Messiah who would bring salvation and redemption. For example, Isaiah 9:6 states, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

2. The Silent Age and the Breaking of Silence:
While the Bible does not explicitly mention a four-hundred-year period of silence, it is true that there were no significant prophetic messages during this time. This silence is broken with the birth of Jesus, as depicted in the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke.

3. The Incarnation of God:
The concept of Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," is firmly rooted in Scripture. It is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew, where the angel declares to Joseph that Mary will give birth to a son and they shall call him Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23). The incarnation of God in the person of Jesus Christ is a fundamental belief in Christianity.

4. The Sacrificial Love of Jesus:
The lyrics of "Emmanuel" accurately depict the sacrificial love of Jesus and His ultimate purpose in coming to earth. The New Testament is replete with references to Jesus' crucifixion and the significance of His death as a means of salvation for humanity. Verses such as John 3:16 affirm the sacrificial love of Jesus, stating, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

5. The Exaltation of the King:
The exaltation of Jesus as the King of kings is a biblical truth affirmed in various passages. Philippians 2:9-11 declares, "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord."

Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that the song "Emmanuel" aligns with biblical teachings and accurately portrays the key messages of Jesus' birth, incarnation, sacrificial love, and exaltation.

Conclusion:

"Emmanuel" is a beautiful and inspiring song that captures the essence of the Christmas story. Its lyrics convey the hope, wonder, and joy associated with Jesus' birth and the profound impact it has on humanity. The song's biblical foundation is solid, accurately reflecting the key messages of Jesus' birth, incarnation, sacrificial love, and exaltation. As listeners engage with the song, it encourages them to worship and praise God for the gift of His Son and His presence in their lives.