Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lutheran Service Book #357, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” This beloved hymn is based on seven ancient “O” antiphons that were used during the last days of the season of Advent leading up to Christmas. The hymn uses the last of these antiphons for the first stanza, focusing our attention on the fact that Jesus comes to us as Emmanuel. He is our hope and joy to set us free from our captivity to sin. Jesus comes as the true Wisdom who orders creation. Jesus comes as the Lord over all who speaks His holy Law. Jesus comes as the King from the stump of Jesse who frees us from the devil’s domain of darkness. Jesus comes as the Key of David who opens the way to eternal life. Jesus comes as the Morning Star who dispels all the darkness of death. Jesus comes as the Desire of all nations who sets all things right in creation. For all this, we sin