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 Day-Spring
Come and cheer
Thy 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, O Come Emmanuel Video
O Come, O Come Emmanuel Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Chris Tomlin, a well-known contemporary Christian artist, released his rendition of the classic Christmas hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" in 2015. This beloved song has been a staple in the Christian tradition for centuries, capturing the anticipation and longing for the coming of the Messiah during the Advent season.
The lyrics of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" date back to the 12th century and are based on the ancient O Antiphons, which were traditionally sung or recited during the seven days leading up to Christmas Eve. These antiphons each highlight a different title of the Messiah and express the hope and yearning for His arrival.
The song opens with the poignant plea, "O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear." This verse echoes the cry of the Israelites for deliverance and redemption, longing for the promised Savior to come and set them free from their bondage.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and expectation as it calls for Emmanuel, which means "God with us," to come and bring light and salvation to a world shrouded in darkness. The lyrics speak of rejoicing in the imminent arrival of the Day-Spring, the One who will dispel the gloom and shadows of sin and death.
The biblical foundation of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is rooted in Old Testament prophecies that foretold the coming of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. One such prophecy is found in Isaiah 7:14, which declares, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." This verse affirms the miraculous birth of Jesus and His identity as Immanuel, God incarnate among humanity.
Another prophetic passage that resonates with the themes of the song is Isaiah 9:6, which proclaims, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." These titles of the Messiah capture the essence of the hope and joy that Christians celebrate during the Christmas season.
As believers reflect on the lyrics of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," they are reminded of the profound significance of Christ's birth and the fulfillment of God's promise to send a Savior to reconcile humanity to Himself. The song serves as a poignant reminder of the true reason for the season and invites listeners to join in the anticipation and celebration of the coming of Jesus.
In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, the message of hope and redemption conveyed in "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" remains as relevant and powerful as ever. It serves as a beacon of light in the darkness, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.
As we immerse ourselves in the timeless words of this cherished hymn, let us echo the sentiments of generations past and present, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Emmanuel, the long-awaited Messiah who brings peace, redemption, and eternal hope to all who believe.
