O Come O Come Emmanuel
History
There are many claims that the words to this hymn were penned as early as the 12th century, but the oldest surviving original Latin form dates back to 1710. It is based on the O Antiphons, which were common chants from early Christians that denoted Christ’s names (and His corresponding attributes). As such, this hymn is Biblically rich and resonates echoes of liturgy from our spiritual ancestors.
Each line of the O Antiphons refers back to a prophecy from Isaiah which describes an attribute of Jesus with a name. The rich history of the O Antiphons dates all the way back at least to the late fifth or early sixth centuries, and possibly earlier. For over 1,500 years in some way or other, reciting the names of Jesus has been a significant part of Christian liturgy. We get to share a powerful legacy with our brothers and sisters in Christ from centuries past through hymns like this.
Our modern versions of the song typically include anywhere from three to six verses, with names including: Emmanuel, Adonai (Lord of might), Rod of Jesse, Dayspring, Desire of nations, Key of David, and Wisdom.
What are the o antiphons
The O Antiphons are traditionally a Catholic tradition, but some protestant churches have also adopted parts or all of the O Antiphons as a part of their Advent liturgy. The seven traditional O Antiphons are comprised of the following, with their associated Scripture supports.
Traditionally, these will each be observed on their associated day, leading toward Christmas Eve.
17 December: O Sapientia (or O Wisdom) - Isaiah 11:2
18 December: O Adonai (or O Lord) - Leviticus 27:34
19 December: O Radix Jesse (or O Root of Jesse) - Isaiah 11:1
20 December: O Clavis David (or O Key of David) - Isaiah 22:22
21 December: O Oriens (or O Dayspring) - Luke 1:78
22 December: O Rex Gentium (or O King of the Nations) - Jeremiah 10:7
23 December: O Emmanuel (O God With Us) - Isaiah 7:14
Devotion
The names of Jesus juxtaposed with the somber tones of longing serve as a powerful reminder: though our circumstances change and trials and tribulations arise, God never changes and His faithfulness is constant. Why are names important? Names reflect identity. The names of God describe the attributes of God, and just as His names don’t change, His attributes don’t change.
For you, this season may be a time marked more by sorrow than joyful expectation. This could be your first Christmas without your mom. This could be another year without a child. Maybe as your children wonder about gifts, it’s another reminder that you haven’t been able to find a job.
Though the world around you may seem to be in flux, the one thing that never changes is who God is. Whatever the cause for sorrow, know this: in Jesus there is hope. His name hasn’t changed and He never changes. His love is constant and His blessings flow without ceasing. That is where our hope comes from this Christmas season.[
Related Scripture
Psalm 136, Matthew 1:18-23, Isaiah 7:14
O Come O Come Emmanuel Lyrics
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, from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
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 heav'nly 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, Adonai, 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.