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Lyrics and Information

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Translated by John Mason Neale (1818-1866), 1851. Latin Hymn, c. 12th Century.
Tune: VENI EMMANUEL arranged by Thomas Helmore (1811-1890), 1856 from a 15th Century processional Ancient Plain Song.
Key signature: E minor (1 sharp)
Time signature: 4/4
Public Domain
Organ Performance at Hymns Without Words
1. 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.
2. O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, Who orderest all things mightily; To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
3. O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them vict’ry ov’r the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
4. O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here; And drive away the shades of night, And pierce the clouds and bring us light! Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
5. O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heav’nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
6. O come, O come, great Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height In ancient times once gave the law In cloud and majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
7. O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree, An ensign of Thy people be; Before Thee rulers silent fall; All peoples on Thy mercy call. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
8. O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind; Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, And be Thyself our King of Peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.