“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a Catholic hymn for Advent and Christmas. The text, which is based on the biblical prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 that foretells the coming of the Messiah, is a translation of the Latin hymn “Veni, Veni, Emmanuel.” It is a synthesis of the great “O Antiphons” that are used in liturgical services during the last seven days of Advent in the Roman calendar.
Each antiphon is a title of Christ taken from the prophecies of Isaiah in the Old Testament, and they form an acrostic when read in reverse order, spelling “ERO CRAS,” which translates to “tomorrow, I will come.” This acrostic underscores the theme of anticipation and the coming of Christ, which is central to the Advent season.
The titles in the O Antiphons, and correspondingly in the verses of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” include
Sapientia (Wisdom), referring to Christ as the wisdom of God
Adonai (Lord of Israel), emphasizing the lordship of Christ
Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse), denoting Christ’s Davidic lineage
Clavis David (Key of David), symbolizing Christ as the one who opens and no one can shut
Oriens (Dayspring or Morning Star), Christ as the light coming into the world
Rex Gentium (King of the nations), Christ as the king of all peoples, and
Emmanuel (God with us), signifying God’s incarnation.
The translation and adaptation of these antiphons into the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” was a significant development in making these theological concepts more accessible to the laity, especially through congregational singing. The hymn captures the essence of Advent as a time of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ.
This hymn is not only a reminder of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the birth of Jesus, but also a reflection on the Second Coming of Christ. Thus, it holds a dual significance in Advent liturgy, looking back to the Incarnation and forward to the Parousia (the Second Coming).
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 Dayspring, 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 didst give the law,
In cloud, and majesty, and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
