O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

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Veni, veni, Emmanuel

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is a Christian hymn for Advent and Christmas. The text was originally written in Latin, with the title "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel." The hymn is a translation of the Latin text, which dates back to the 12th century. The English translation was completed by John Mason Neale in the 19th century.

History

The origins of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The hymn is based on the "O Antiphons," which are a series of antiphons used in the last seven days of Advent in the Western Christian tradition. Each antiphon is a name of Christ, one of his attributes mentioned in Scripture. The hymn was first published in the 1850s in the collection "Hymnal Noted."

Lyrics

The lyrics of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" are a plea for the coming of the Messiah. The hymn is structured in a series of verses, each calling on Emmanuel to come and ransom captive Israel. The refrain, "Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel," is a message of hope and anticipation.

Melody

The melody most commonly associated with "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is derived from a 15th-century French processional for Franciscan nuns. The tune, known as "Veni Emmanuel," was paired with Neale's translation in the 19th century and has since become the standard melody for the hymn.

Usage in Worship

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is traditionally sung during the season of Advent, which is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. The hymn is often used in liturgical settings, as well as in Advent services and Christmas carol concerts.

Cultural Impact

The hymn has been widely recorded and performed by various artists across different genres. It remains a popular and enduring piece of Christmas music, often included in holiday albums and performances.

See Also

• Advent
• Christmas
• John Mason Neale
• O Antiphons
• Christian hymn