BLOGMAS DAY 14 -- SUNDAY PRAISE: O COME, O COME EMMANUEL

Today we are opening our worship service with O Come, O Come Emmanuel.  Another one of my favorite hymns.

The text for this hymn dates back to a seven verse poem from the 8th century.  It was originally used during vespers or the evening service during the final days before Christmas.  The version most commonly used in English speaking countries today was translated from the Latin in 1851.

Each of the five verses of this hymn speaks of a different name for Jesus.  "Emmanuel" in verse one means "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).  Verse two speaks of Adoni, a name for God, the giver of the law (Exodus 19:16).  Branch of Jesse in verse three refers to Jesus' ancestry (Isaiah 11:1).  Jesus is called the Morning Star in Malachi 4:2 and this is used in verse four.  Finally in verse five we see Jesus as the Key of David again referring to His ancestry (Isaiah 22:22).

No one knows who composed the tune which is titled Veni Emmanuel.  The words and music were linked together when the poem was first translated into English (1851).  In 1966 a 15th century manuscript was found by British musicologist Mary Berry containing this tune.  There is no evidence, however, that the words and tune were linked together before 1851 although even in Latin the words fit perfectly with the music.

And now let's hear "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," a plainsong chant.  Some of the words are different than what I found in my research and this says it come from the 12th century.  I don't think anyone is sure since it is so old.  But that will not take away from the beauty of the piece.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Kathy