O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

posted for Tim Klein

A family tradition we started almost two decades ago is singing “the” Advent hymn, “O come, O come, Emmanuel” as we gather around the Advent wreath each evening. We started this to have a worship point in our devotions, and as another way to “tell the story” to our children in a memorable fashion. However, we only recently learned how this hymn, like many traditions, has a deep meaning rooted in our Anglican heritage, and back into early Christendom.

“O come, O come Emmanuel” (in Latin, Veni Emmanuel) is a lyrical paraphrase of the Great Advent “O Antiphons” sung at Evensong during the last week of Advent. The hymn, and the antiphons, “tell the story” by referring directly to Isaiah’s prophecy marking the forthcoming birth of the Messiah; and by using Scriptural titles (or “names”) for the Messiah.

The “O Antiphons” have been part of our liturgical tradition since the very early Church. The exact origin of the “O Antiphons” is not known, but they are recognized as early as 450, and fully present in liturgical celebrations by the eighth century. Each antiphon is one of Christ’s Latinate names as mentioned in Scripture. They are:

• December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom)


• December 18: O Adonai (O Adonai)


• December 19: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse)


• December 20: O Clavis David (O Key of David)


• December 21: O Oriens (O Morning Star)


• December 22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations)


• December 23: O Emmanuel

Benedictine monks purposefully ordered these antiphons. Starting with the last “name” and taking the first letter of each one – Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia –the Latin words ero cras are formed, meaning, “Tomorrow, I will come.” Jesus, whose coming Christians prepare for in Advent and have addressed in these seven Messianic titles, responds to our worship, “Tomorrow, I will come.” The “O Antiphons” (and “O come”) intensify Advent preparation, and bring it to a joyful conclusion.

So, sing this ancient hymn with great joy – proclaiming Jesus the present Messiah of Israel, the King to the Gentiles, and the One who will come again to redeem His People.