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This familiar Advent hymn is ancient, not only its text, but also the music that accompany the words. The tune that we sing today was not realized until the 1800s. This tune is based on a style of music used during medieval times called plainsong. The absence of strict rhythmic measures gives this tune a free-flowing style. Do you know or have you ever worshiped in a church with high stone walls and cathedral height ceilings and heard or sung this hymn? What an effect the hymn has on you!
The words for this hymn developed without the chorus as a series of liturgical phrases used during Advent. Each stanza concentrates on a different biblical name for Christ, making this hymn a very rich source of Christian meditation. Yes, Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, Wisdom from on high, Desire of nations, Lord of might, Rod of Jesse, Dayspring, and Key of David. As we approach Christmas, let us all take time to ponder the nature of Christ whose birth and coming again we celebrate. |
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.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
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. |
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.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times did'st give the Law,
In cloud, and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel |
