“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is a hymn that is widely sung during the Advent season. The song is a traditional Christian carol that has been sung for centuries. The lyrics are based on the “O Antiphons” and are believed to have been written in the 12th century. The song is a beautiful expression of hope and anticipation as Christians wait for the birth of Jesus Christ. This article will provide an overview of the lyrics of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and their significance.
The History of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” has been sung for hundreds of years and has a rich history. The lyrics are based on the “O Antiphons,” which are seven antiphons used in the liturgy of the Western Church in the days leading up to Christmas. The antiphons are prayers that were recited in monasteries during the Vesper’s service on the seven days before Christmas.
In the 12th century, the antiphons were put to music, and the melody was adapted to create the song that is known today as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The song became popular in the 16th century and was widely sung in both Catholic and Protestant communities. The song was included in the 16th-century hymnal “Cantiones Sacrae” and has been a staple of the Advent season ever since.
The Lyrics of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
Verse 1:
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
This verse refers to the captivity of Israel in Babylon and the longing for their release. The lyrics express the hope that Emmanuel, the Son of God, will come to ransom and save them from their exile. The song is a call for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Emmanuel, who will bring salvation to all.
Verse 2:
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
This verse is a call for Jesus Christ to come and bring light into the world. The lyrics describe the arrival of Jesus Christ as a “Day-spring” that will dispel the darkness and bring joy and hope to all. The verse also speaks of the victory over death that Jesus Christ brings.
Verse 3:
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
This verse speaks of the role of Jesus Christ as the “Key of David,” who will open the way to heaven and provide access to eternal life. The lyrics also describe Jesus Christ as closing the path to misery and bringing salvation to all who believe in him.
Verse 4:
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times did give the law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
This verse speaks of the role of Jesus Christ as the great Lord of might, who gave the law to his people on Mount Sinai.
