Over the next few days, I will be putting up the text from a Christmas song for reflection. Today, I am going to put up the lyrics to the Christmas Hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” This Hymn is a Latin hymn from the 12th century that was translated into English in the 1800’s. The Hymn focuses on the nation of Israel’s hope and expectation that their Messiah would soon come. The term “Emmanuel” means “God with us” and highlights the fact that “As for us, the nearness of God is our good (Psalm 73:28).” This Hymn is inspired by the Messianic portions of the book of Isaiah, whose prophecies remind us that God had planned and promised to send the Messiah centuries before Jesus birth. Hundreds of years before the stable in Bethlehem held a manger throne, Isaiah prophesied God’s promise, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)”
As you read the text of this hymn today, meditate on the different names of Jesus mentioned in the song. He is called Emmanuel (God with us), Son of God (fully God), Dayspring (the Son who shines brightly in the world dawning a new day), Wisdom from on High (He is the Way, the TRUTH, and the Life), and Desire of Nations (one day, people from every nation, tribe, and tongue will bow before Him). At Christmas we are celebrating THIS GREAT GOD!! Praise Him!
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 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 Wisdom from on high, and order all things, far and nigh.
To us the path of knowledge show, and cause us in her ways to go.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel!
O come, Desire of nations bind all peoples in one heart and mind.
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease, fill all the world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee O Israel!
Awesome! Thanks for shining new light on the depth of this fantastic Hymn! Looking forward to further posts!
Thanks Kat! I hope these posts help people worship and adore Christ more this season.