Christmas Is War: Finding New Meaning in Skillet’s “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
Christmas Is War: Finding New Meaning in Skillet’s “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
There has been recent controversy about this version of O Come, O Come Emmanuel by Skillet. Some love it, others don't. I was pondering this myself. Did they go too hard rock at the end of the song?
But I have a new outlook following the sermon on Revelation 12 titled “Christmas is War.” Pastor Dan Sardinas preached about the war that has been going on between the Woman and the Dragon in John's vision. What really stood out to me is the warfare that Satan (dragon) has engaged in to keep the Messiah from coming the first time, and the current war that Satan is waging against God's people (woman). We are at war until Jesus Christ comes again.
When I think about that war between the Woman and the Dragon, I see it all through Revelation 12 where Satan tried to devour the Child, but the Child was caught up to God and to His throne (Revelation 12:4–5), and then the dragon turned his rage toward God’s people because he knows his time is short (Revelation 12:12, 17). That same war is still going on today, even if we can’t see it, which is why things feel so heavy sometimes here in the wilderness of this world (Revelation 12:6). But the Bible says we overcome “by the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:11), and that gives me hope to keep going this Christmas.
Like my Pastor Dan says, “Jesus has won, Jesus is winning, Jesus will win.” Things are tough here on planet Earth because we are in the wilderness and there is a war going on around us that we can't see in the spiritual realm.
With this new understanding that I have, I had gone back and listened to this song and watched the official video. Now it makes perfect sense. I also can relate better to the first half of the song, as John Cooper is singing from a hospital room. While many of us are wrapping presents, and baking cookies and attending feasts, there are many people who are sick and in the hospital this Christmas. Seeing my dad this past weekend in the hospital really brought that to light for me. Praise God he is home for Christmas. God is good.
Let us not give up hope. Our hope is in Jesus. This is what Christmas is about. As the song says, O come, O come Emmanuel—Jesus came the first time, He is on the throne right now, and He is coming again.
Let us keep our eyes on the one who matters this Christmas and I pray that when things get heavy for you this Christmas, I know I have had my moments this Christmas season, remember “Jesus will win”!!!
I hope you’ve had a Merry Christmas and understand Christmas differently. To all my friends and family out there, may God bless you with the peace of Christ.
Debbie Perry
