O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is one of the oldest songs in our hymnals. The words are translated from seven Latin antiphons—that is, responsive prayers—that date back to the 8th century. Together these verses are known as the "O Antiphons" since all seven begin with the word "O":

The Annunciation to Mary

O Wisdom (Sapientia)
O Lord (Adonai)
O Rod of Jesse (Radix Jesse)
O Key of David (Clavis David)
O Dayspring (Oriens) - also "Morning Star"
O Ruler of All Nations (Rex Gentium)
O Emmanuel -- which we keep in the English and means "God with us"

The first letters of those seven Latin verses, arranged backwards, spell ERO CRAS, which means "Tomorrow, he is coming." 

We don't know how those verses were sung or chanted for the first thousand years of their use in the church. The tune we sing to today (called VENI EMMANUEL) came much later. Although its melody goes back to the 15th century, it wasn't harmonized and wedded to these verses until 1851. As we find with many of our most-loved hymns, such as Amazing Grace, the lyrics and melody had distinct histories before ending up together.

The O Antiphons are a wonderful guide to prayer for the of the week prior to Christmas day. Starting on December 17th, work through one image per day for the remaining days of Advent. Each one is rooted in at least one scriptural theme:


December 17: O Wisdom – John 1:1-3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. 

December 18: O Adonai – Exodus 3:13-14

But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I am has sent me to you.’” 

December 19: O Root of Jesse – Isaiah 11:1-3

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.


December 20: O Key of David – Revelation 3:7

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens.

December 21: O Dayspring – Habakkuk 3:3-4

His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. The brightness was like the sun; rays came forth from his hand, where his power lay hidden.

December 22: O King of the Gentiles – Ephesians 2:13-14

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. 

December 23: O Emmanuel – Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.

Check it out: Here is an excellent 8-day devotional based on this hymn from Bellweather Arts. It takes an antiphon for each day, coupling devotional thoughts with reflections on visual images. It is a resource that will excite you mind, heart, and soul as you prepare for Christ's coming.

I hope you have the opportunity to sing this hymn with a congregation during this Advent season. Here is a traditional choir performing it: