This is not really a Christmas carol or song, but it is my favourite of all those songs associated with this season.
It is sourced from a Latin text called “Veni, veni, Emmanuel” which accounts for a couple of different translations. Hymns and Carols of Christmas have a couple, here and here.
I’m more familiar with the version which was translated by John Mason Neale. Coupled with the tune ‘Veni Emmanuel’ the hymn gives a stirring account of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus being the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy.
It’s lovely biblical, covenant theology.
The Church Hymnary, Revised, contains this version, the Rejoice! Hymnbook of the Presbyterian Church of Australia omits the third verse.
The lyrics:
1.
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 thee, O Israel.
2.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.
Refrain
3.
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight!
Refrain
4.
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Refrain
5.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of Might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud, and majesty, and awe.
Refrain
This YouTube from Christianity Today features the song along with pictures that seek to demonstrate “the longing for Christ that is shared around the world”. A little shower than I’d sing it, but a lovely rendition by a woman with a far stronger voice than mine.
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