O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL

There is something special about the Christmas season that unites generations. People of all ages can fondly remember the carols from year to year and join in singing them together. 

One of the oldest Christmas carols is, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Our English version was published in 1853 by John M. Neale, an Anglican pastor in England. It was translated from a 6th century Latin text, but the inspiration for this song came from the prophecies of Isaiah in the 8th century BC, referencing King David’s reign in the 11th century BC, and the events of the exodus from the 15th century BC. 

The original Latin verses would have been sung as seven separate songs, prepared for each day in the week leading up to the Christmas Eve service. The order differed from the English translation. These antiphons, a traditional plainchant sung as a call and response, focused on various names of Jesus. Each line began with “O” as a prayer calling out for the Messiah to come: O Wisdom, O Lord, O Root of Jacob, O Key of David, O Dayspring, O King of Nations, and, finally, O Emmanuel, which means, “God with us.” The first letter of each name was an acrostic, which, when read backwards, translates into Christ’s response to the prayer, “Tomorrow, I will be there.” 

Our English version tells a story as well. The first verse introduces us to Emmanuel. It references the captivity of God’s people in Egypt, Babylon, and our modern day, longing to be ransomed when the Son of God appears. The second verse reminds us of the Wisdom of God and asks for the path of knowledge to be made known so that we might walk in His ways. The third verse recounts how the LORD gave His name to Moses and Israel on Mount Sinai where His Law and Glory was revealed in cloud and fire. The fourth and fifth verses anticipate a king in the line of David who will save us from our enemies and unlock the gates to heaven. Verses six and seven cry for the light of God to dawn on mankind and drive the darkness away, finally bringing true peace on earth. 

So when we sing this Christmas carol, we are joining with believers, old and new, crying out to God and praying for Christ’s return. May we rejoice in knowing that it is God’s desire to dwell with us.