"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

The First Sunday of Advent

I thought I'd start the season with one of the oldest known Advent hymns. Some sources put the writing of this hymn as early as the 600s. It was during this time that the rule of Pope Gregory I reformed liturgy and music in the church. The rules for what we now refer to as Gregorian Chant were very specific. As a result, most of the singing in the church was done by trained choirs and clergy. However, there were a few Latin hymns that were sung by the congregation on special occasions, including this one. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," originally written in Latin, was sung at vespers between December 17 and 23.

Have a blessed Advent season as we prepare to celebrate our Lord's birth!

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

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 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.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to thee, O Israel!

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer, Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night, And pierce the clouds and bring us light!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to thee, O Israel!

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.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to thee, O Israel!