"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: Love in the Now and Not Yet" [December 21, 2025]

The word “love” is one of the sloppiest words in our language, as it primarily refers to a feeling that happens to a person. But in the New Testament, “love,” or “agape,” refers to a way of treating people that was defined by Jesus himself. It means to seek the well-being of others regardless of their response. The Messiah’s coming is ultimately an act of love—God with us, God for us- regardless of how we receive Him.

Message by Devin Burton, "Love in the Now and Not Yet" as part of our "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" series. Message from December 21, 2025. Centralia Community Church, Centralia, WA. cccog.com

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is more than a beautiful, ancient hymn - it is a prayer echoing the heartbeat of Advent, the season of holy anticipation. Rooted in Scripture and sung with deep longing, the hymn speaks to the “now and not yet” reality of God’s promises: that Christ has come, and Christ will come again. Each verse names a title of the promised Messiah, and each refrain calls us to rejoice - not because all is fulfilled yet, but because fulfillment is coming. It’s the song of those who live in between; between the manger and the second coming, between promise made and promise fulfilled. This dynamic tension is the essence of Advent.