Michael English - O Come Emmanuel Lyrics

O Come Emmanuel Video

O Come Emmanuel Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a timeless Christmas hymn that has been sung for centuries. The song's haunting melody and powerful lyrics have touched the hearts of countless generations. Michael English's rendition of this classic hymn is simply beautiful.

The Meaning of the Song

The lyrics to O Come, O Come, Emmanuel are a prayer for the coming of the Messiah. The song is a cry from the heart of Israel, which had been waiting for centuries for the promised one to come and set them free. The first verse of the hymn reads:

O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear

The word "Emmanuel" means "God with us," and it is a reference to the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, which says, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." The song is a reminder that God had promised to send a savior to the world, and the people of Israel were eagerly waiting for his arrival.

The second verse of the hymn reads:

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

The word "Dayspring" is a reference to the rising of the sun, and it is a metaphor for the coming of the Messiah. The verse speaks of the darkness and gloom that had enveloped the world, but it also speaks of hope. The coming of the Messiah would bring light and joy to the world, and it would dispel the darkness and death that had held sway for so long.

The third verse of the hymn reads:

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

This verse speaks of the wisdom that the Messiah would bring to the world. It is a reminder that the people of Israel were waiting for more than just a military conqueror. They were waiting for a teacher and a guide who would show them the path of righteousness and lead them in the ways of God.

The fourth verse of the hymn reads:

O come, Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind
Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease
Fill the whole world with heaven's peace

This verse speaks of the universal nature of the Messiah's mission. He was not just coming to save the people of Israel, but he was coming to be the savior of the entire world. The verse speaks of the unity and peace that the Messiah would bring to the world, and it is a reminder that the message of Christmas is one of hope and reconciliation.

The Inspiration Behind the Song

The origins of the hymn are somewhat mysterious. The lyrics to O Come, O Come, Emmanuel were first written in Latin in the ninth century. They were part of a series of antiphons that were sung during the week leading up to Christmas. Each antiphon began with the word "O," and each one focused on a different aspect of the coming of the Messiah.

The hymn was translated into English in the 19th century, and it has since become one of the most beloved Christmas carols of all time. Michael English's rendition of the hymn is particularly powerful, and his soulful voice captures the longing and hope that is at the heart of the song.

Bible Verses Referenced in the Song

The lyrics to O Come, O Come, Emmanuel are steeped in biblical imagery and references. Here are some of the verses that are alluded to in the hymn:

- Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
- Malachi 4:2 - "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves."
- Isaiah 11:2 - "The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord."
- Haggai 2:7 - "I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory," says the Lord Almighty.

Practical Application of the Song to Christian Living

The message of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is one of hope, longing, and anticipation. As Christians, we can apply the message of the hymn to our lives in several ways.

First, we can remember that the coming of the Messiah was a fulfillment of God's promise to the world. It is a reminder that God keeps his promises and that he is faithful to his people.

Second, we can remember that the Messiah came to bring light and hope to a dark and broken world. In the midst of the struggles and challenges that we face in our own lives, we can find hope in the knowledge that God is with us and that he is working to bring about his purposes in the world.

Finally, we can remember that the message of Christmas is one of peace and reconciliation. Just as the Messiah came to bring unity to the world, so too are we called to be agents of peace and reconciliation in our own lives. We can work to build bridges, to heal relationships, and to bring hope to those who are hurting.

In conclusion, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a timeless hymn that speaks to the longing and hope that is at the heart of Christmas. The song is a reminder that God keeps his promises, that he is faithful to his people, and that he is working to bring about his purposes in the world. As Christians, we can apply the message of the hymn to our lives by remembering the hope that is found in the coming of the Messiah, by seeking to be agents of peace and reconciliation in our own lives, and by trusting in the God who is with us always.