O Come, O Come Emmanuel

This well known Christmas song is unique because, according to classicfm.com, "the distinctly biblical feel of the lyrics differ from the more overtly celebratory tone of most carols (there’s no herald angels harking nor flocks being watched by night, for example), and the actual nativity narrative doesn’t feature in any meaningful way." Because it's based on ancient Gregorian chant, there are a lot of dark, cryptic versions of it out there that sound really neat. I really like the one by Enya on her "And Winter Came" album. This version, however, takes a more joyous tone celebrating Emmanuel's deliverance of captive Israel. I have to say this song took on a more significant meaning for me this year after studying the Old Testament and gaining a deeper understanding of Israel's captivity, the prophets sent to declare God's word to them, and the prophecies that were delivered to them.

There are many different translations of the original 5 Latin verses, and sometimes people come up with their own verses unrelated to the Latin. It seems every time I hear this song I find a new verse I've never heard before, so I've just posted below the two verses sung in this version. The 2nd verse is one I haven't heard in any other version.

Lyrics:

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 desire of nations
Bind all people in one heart and mind
Bid envy, strife, and quarrels cease
Fill the whole World with love and peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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