Paul Wilbur - O Come Emmanuel Lyrics
Lyrics
Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears
Rejoice, (rejoice), rejoice, (rejoice)
Emmanuel, shall come to us, oh Israel
Oh come, oh come, oh wisdom from on high
Oh breath of heaven, Ruach Adonai
To us the path of righteous have shown
And lead us in the way to go
Oh come, oh come, the Bright and Morning Star
And bring us comfort from your throne on high
Dispel the shadows of the night
And fill this world with Heaven's light
Rejoice, (rejoice), rejoice, (rejoice)
Emmanuel, shall come to us, oh Israel
Rejoice, (oh) rejoice
Emmanuel, shall come to us, oh Israel
For unto us a child is born
And unto us a Son is given
And the government shall be upon his shoulder
And his name shall be called Wonderful
Counsellor, The Mighty God
The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace
(Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel)
Rejoice, (rejoice), rejoice
Emmanuel, shall come to us, oh Israel
Rejoice, rejoice
Emmanuel, has come to us, oh Israel
Oh Israel
Video
Paul Wilbur | O Come Emmanuel
Meaning & Inspiration
Paul Wilbur’s "O Come Emmanuel (feat. Shae Wilbur) - Single," released on December 3, 2021, delivers a profound musical experience that reaches into the ancient depths of messianic longing and emerges with a triumphant declaration of Christ's presence. This rendition of the venerable Advent hymn serves as a compelling bridge between the Old Testament's fervent hope for a deliverer and the New Testament's fulfillment in Jesus. The song's essence is rooted in the "O Antiphons," a series of ancient Latin prayers traditionally recited in the week leading up to Christmas, each invoking the Messiah by a different prophetic title and expressing Israel's deep yearning for salvation. Wilbur, known for his unique ability to infuse contemporary worship with rich Jewish heritage, faithfully captures this spirit of earnest expectation, guiding us through a narrative of historical and spiritual significance.
The initial plea, "Oh come, oh come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel," immediately transports us to a time of profound spiritual and often physical captivity. "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us," a name prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and confirmed in Matthew 1:23, lies at the heart of this urgent call. The song speaks to a people, indeed all humanity, mourning in "lonely exile," separated from God by sin and longing for redemption. This isn't merely a historical lament for ancient Israel; it echoes the universal human condition of spiritual brokenness and the heartfelt desire for restoration, patiently awaiting the "Son of God" to appear and provide ultimate freedom. The subsequent refrain, "Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel, shall come to us, oh Israel," transforms the lament into a declaration of hope, reminding us of the unwavering promise of God's intervention and presence.
As the song progresses, it expands upon the multifaceted nature of the awaited Messiah, revealing deeper layers of His identity and mission. "Oh come, oh come, oh wisdom from on high," petitions for divine insight, recognizing Christ as the embodiment of God’s wisdom, as affirmed in 1 Corinthians 1:24 and Colossians 2:3. He is the ultimate teacher who reveals "the path of righteous" and guides us in "the way to go," echoing Jesus's own declaration in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." The addition of "Oh breath of heaven, Ruach Adonai," a powerful Hebrew phrase meaning "Spirit of the Lord," invokes the life-giving, transforming power of God's Spirit, reminiscent of how God breathed life into humanity in Genesis 2:7 and Ezekiel's vision of dry bones receiving the breath of life. This beautifully weaves together the divine essence of Christ with the active presence of the Holy Spirit.
The next stanza hails Jesus as "the Bright and Morning Star," a majestic title found in Revelation 22:16, which symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and the dawn breaking through spiritual darkness, much like the prophecy of the star in Numbers 24:17. This plea asks Him to "bring us comfort from your throne on high," acknowledging God's sovereign care and His ability to provide solace, a truth often found in passages like 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. The imagery of dispelling "the shadows of the night" and filling "this world with Heaven's light" directly references Jesus as the light of the world, illuminating truth and banishing darkness, as stated in John 8:12 and John 1:4-5. The yearning for His light underscores the human need for divine revelation and guidance in a world often obscured by confusion and despair.
A pivotal moment in the song arrives with the direct quotation from Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a child is born, and unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." This prophetic verse is the theological cornerstone, unequivocally identifying the promised Messiah with the child born in Bethlehem, laying out His divine authority, omnipotent power, and the profound peace He brings. It is a stunning declaration of who Jesus is, encapsulating His deity, wisdom, and eternal reign. The repeated invocation of "Emmanuel" further cements His divine presence in our lives.
The final transformation in the song's refrain, moving from "Emmanuel, *shall* come to us" to "Emmanuel, *has* come to us," is spiritually momentous. This shift from future tense to past/present perfect tense signifies the glorious fulfillment of centuries of prophecy in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For believers, this is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality: God is truly with us, not just in anticipation, but in manifest presence through His Spirit. Paul Wilbur's "O Come Emmanuel" serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, the profound depth of messianic prophecy, and the liberating truth that our Emmanuel has indeed come and continually dwells with His people, offering redemption, wisdom, light, and enduring peace to all who call upon His name. It is a stirring anthem that fosters both introspection and profound adoration for the God who keeps His promises.