O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Hymn History
By Savannah Logan
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is one of the oldest and most cherished hymns of the Advent season, which begins on December 1st. To me, this song has always had a somber, solemn undertone – and in completing this week’s Hymn History, I was able to understand a bit more about just why that is.
Its origins trace back to the 12th century, rooted in the Latin antiphons of the medieval church. Antiphons are songs of call and response, where one group sings a line, and another responds — a reflective, communal form of worship. The term itself comes from the Greek words anti (opposite) and phon (voice or sound). In the week leading up to Christmas, worshippers in the Middle Ages would sing seven antiphons, known as the “Great O’s,” each beginning with “O Come.” These songs invoked Old Testament names for the Messiah, capturing the deep longing for His arrival. Among the names sung were Emmanuel, meaning “God with us,” as prophesied in Isaiah 7:14; the Rod of Jesse, referring to David’s offspring, as described in Isaiah 11:1 and 11:10; Dayspring, or Morning Star, mentioned in Numbers 24:17; and the Key of David, the one who holds the power to open and close, as seen in Isaiah 22:22.
By the 12th century, these antiphons were combined into a single hymn, which became known as the “Latin Hymn.” Each verse of this hymn is a heartfelt plea for the Messiah to ransom, save, cheer, guide, and bring peace. After every call, the congregation responds with hope and faith, declaring, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!” The hymn’s melody, known as Veni Emmanuel, comes from the plainsong tradition of the 13th century. Plainsong, or chant, is a simple, unadorned musical style, well-suited to the solemn anticipation of Advent. This melody, arranged by Thomas Helmore, was first published in Hymnal Noted, Part II in London in 1854.
Recognizing the Advent season is an essential part of preparing our hearts and minds for the true meaning of Christmas. In a world often consumed by the busyness and materialism of the holidays, Advent calls us to pause, reflect, and remember the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brings. It is a season of anticipation, inviting us to look back with gratitude on the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ’s first coming and forward with expectation to His glorious return. Through prayer, worship, and hymns like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” Advent becomes a time to realign our focus, embracing the profound mystery of Emmanuel — God with us — and celebrating His presence in our lives today.
As you sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” you join generations of believers who have awaited Christ’s coming. The word “Advent” means “coming,” and this carol expresses the hope of Christ’s arrival on multiple levels. It calls upon Emmanuel, “God with us,” to deliver His people from captivity. It looks to the Rod of Jesse to bring salvation from sin. It invokes the Dayspring, the Holy Spirit, to dwell with and strengthen His followers. Finally, it calls upon the Key of David, the one who will unlock the door to eternal life.
This hymn is not just a song for the Advent season – it is a prayer that resonates with the Christian journey. Christ has come. He is present now through the Holy Spirit. And He will come again. Let your heart rejoice as you sing this timeless hymn, anticipating His return and celebrating the fulfillment of God’s promises.
