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Written by Kathy Loftman from The Village Church.

When I think of favorite Christmas hymns, I usually think of those with a melody that I enjoy playing on my flute. However, the request stressed the lyrics, so I decided to choose a hymn that I enjoy both the lyrics as well as haunting melody. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a theologically rich carol based on its use of the O Antiphons, liturgical prayers based on Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah’s coming, which have been sung as part of the Advent liturgy, originating in the 8^th and 9^th century. Each verse addresses Christ with a different title from scripture, building a deep theological case for His awaited arrival and His role in liberating people from sin and death. The carol is not only a song of longing but also an expression of hope and assurance that God will fulfill His promises.  Each verse of the hymn invokes a different messianic title for Jesus.  Emmanuel [He is “God with us.”]  Rod of Jesse [He is a descendant of Jesse (King David’s father), who will bring freedom from Satan and death.] Dayspring [He is the dawn that will “cheer us” and put “death’s dark shadows” to flight.]  Key of David [He holds the power to open the “heavenly home” and “close the path to misery.”] Lord of Might (Adonai) [He has always been with His people, revealing Himself with “majesty and awe.] Wisdom from on High [He is the personification of God’s wisdom, which “orders all things mightily” in the cosmos], and Desire of Nations [He is the one who can bind “all peoples in one heart and mind,” bringing an end to strife and ushering in God’s peace.] The original Latin chants contained a hidden acrostic. The first letter of each title—Sapientia, Adonai, Radix Jesse, Clavis David, Oriens, Rex Gentium, Emmanuel—spells “SARCORE.” When read backward, this forms the Latin phrase “Ero cras,” meaning “I shall be with you tomorrow.”  The carol’s mood and structure reflect key theological themes of exile, longing, and already but not yet.  The initial verse describes Israel as “captive” and “mourning in lonely exile.” This reflects the historical Babylonian exile but also the spiritual state of all people separated from God by sin. The hymn captures the deep longing of God’s people throughout history as they waited for their promised Messiah. It is a humble, serious call for a savior, not a festive, celebratory one. The constant refrain, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel,” injects a powerful note of hope into the mournful verses. It reminds Christians that while Christ has already come, we still live in a fallen world and await His promised return to make all things new. 

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 you, O Israel.