O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel
The great Advent antiphon hymn, each stanza addressing Christ by a different messianic title from Isaiah: Emmanuel, Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Dayspring, King of nations. The accumulated weight of these titles expresses the fullness of Israel's messianic expectation fulfilled in Christ.
History & Background
Based on the O Antiphons, a series of Advent antiphons used at Vespers from December 17-23, dating to at least the 9th century. The modern hymn was assembled from these antiphons and translated into English by John Mason Neale (1818-1866) in 1851. The tune VENI EMMANUEL is adapted from a 15th century processional.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 257
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 34
- Lutheran Service Book — 357
- Lutheran Worship — 31
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 60
Bulletin Note
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel — Latin antiphons, c.800; tr. Neale, 1851
Preaching Connection
The O Antiphons and Isaiah's messianic titles — rich material for Advent preaching.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From Israel's captive longing through progressive divine attributes (Wisdom, Law-giver, Liberator, Light-bringer) to universal reconciliation in the King of nations
Themes
Advent Messianic Hope Isaiah O Antiphons