An “antiphon” is a psalm or verse that is sung responsively – one group sings one line and another group sings the second line. This back and forth continues all the way through. Somewhere around the sixth century someone wrote seven antiphons that became known as the “O Antiphons.” Each one began with the Latin “Veni” which means “O Come.” This was followed by a name or title associated with the Messiah. It became the practice in the church to use these seven antiphons in Vespers (Evening Worship) on the last seven days of Advent, December 17-24.  These “O Antiphons” are the basis for this very popular Advent Hymn.

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.

O, come, Thou Wisdom from on high, Who ord’rest 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.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might, Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times didst give the Law,In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Branch of Jesse’s tree, Free Them from Satan’s tyranny;
That trust Thy mighty pow’r to save And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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.

O come, Thou day-spring from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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!

I have included the text of this hymn as it appears in the Lutheran Service Book (#357). If you look at the page next to the hymn there, you will see English translations of the seven “O Antiphons.” Note the seven names/titles for Jesus. The one that is in the refrain of each stanza if the Hebrew word “Immanuel” which literally means “God with us.” The stanzas of this hymn affirm that the one we wait for is the one who is our ransom, will save us, give us victory over death, and open heaven for us. Jesus did all that.

We sing this hymn in joyful anticipation of celebrating our Savior’s first arrival and waiting for His return to take us to Himself.