O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain
O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave. Refrain
O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death’s abode. Refrain
O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. Refrain
O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain
Unwrapping the Mystique of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”: A Christmas Carol’s Timeless Journey
As the holiday season draws near, one timeless Christmas carol never fails to resonate with the hearts of those who hear it. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is a cherished staple of Christmas celebrations, known for its hauntingly beautiful melody and evocative lyrics that transport us back in time to the birth of Jesus Christ. In this blog post, we will delve into the origins of the text and music, early publications, and share five notable recordings that have left an indelible mark on this beloved carol.
Origins of the Text and Music
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” has deep historical roots, with its origins tracing back to Latin liturgical texts known as the “O Antiphons.” These antiphons were chanted or recited during the final days of Advent, starting on December 17th and leading up to Christmas Eve. Each antiphon addresses Christ using a different title from the Old Testament.
The lyrics of the carol are attributed to an anonymous author who drew inspiration from these ancient antiphons. The text beautifully encapsulates the longing and anticipation of the coming of the Messiah, invoking the sense of hope and expectation that is central to the Advent season.
The music for “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is equally evocative. It is based on a 15th-century plainsong melody that perfectly complements the contemplative and solemn mood of the lyrics. The blending of these timeless words and melodies has made the carol an enduring favorite.
Early Publications
The earliest known publication of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” in English dates back to the mid-19th century. It was translated by John Mason Neale, an Anglican priest and scholar, who was responsible for introducing many medieval hymns and carols to English-speaking audiences.
Neale’s translation made the carol more accessible to English-speaking Christians, and its popularity began to grow steadily. The combination of the evocative text and haunting melody struck a chord with audiences across denominations.
Notable Recordings
- Enya (1992): The Irish singer Enya’s ethereal rendition of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” on her album “Shepherd Moons” transports listeners to a mystical, otherworldly realm.
- Mannheim Steamroller (1988): Known for their innovative approach to Christmas music, Mannheim Steamroller’s electronic and orchestral rendition of the carol on their album “A Fresh Aire Christmas” is a unique and captivating interpretation.
- Sufjan Stevens (2006): Indie folk artist Sufjan Stevens’ delicate and emotive version of the carol on his album “Songs for Christmas” captures the song’s reflective spirit with sincerity.
- Pentatonix (2016): The a cappella group Pentatonix infuses their signature vocal harmonies and contemporary flair into “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” on their album “A Pentatonix Christmas.”
- The Piano Guys (2011): This instrumental rendition by The Piano Guys, featuring Jon Schmidt on the piano and Steven Sharp Nelson on the cello, showcases the carol’s timeless beauty through their musical mastery.
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” continues to captivate audiences with its profound lyrics and haunting melody. Its journey from the ancient “O Antiphons” to modern-day recordings reminds us of the enduring power of music to connect us to the rich tapestry of history and faith. As you listen to this cherished Christmas carol during the holiday season, let its timeless message of hope and anticipation fill your heart with joy and reverence.
SANTA NYC 