The well-known Advent hymn below was written to highlight what the ancient church referred to as the Great ‘O’ Antiphons. It was written in Latin around the 9th Century and later translated. Seven titles of Jesus are included (in bold) as a way to musically cherish them. For over 1500 years they have been emphasized in various church traditions on the seven days of this final week leading up to Christmas (I’ve only just now heard of this practice, so don’t feel left out if you’ve never heard of it either). If time permits, spend time with each verse, hearing the hopeful cries of God’s children (if you do, you’ll be joining with millions of believers around the world). PD
1 O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
2 O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain
3 O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain
4 O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave. Refrain
5 O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death’s abode. Refrain
6 O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. Refrain
7 O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain