Lyrics
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
Invoking the arrival of Emmanuel with a sense of anticipation and urgency.
And ransom captive Israel,
Requesting the liberation of captive Israel, a metaphor for spiritual redemption.
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Describing the sorrowful state of Israel in exile and separation.
Until the Son of God appear.
Expressing the longing for the manifestation of the Son of God to bring comfort.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Calling for joy and celebration in anticipation of Emmanuel's arrival.
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Reiterating the assurance that Emmanuel will come to Israel.
O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high,
Invoking the Dayspring (morning light), asking for its arrival to bring joy.
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Requesting comfort and happiness as the Dayspring draws near.
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
Asking for the dispelling of spiritual darkness and the removal of death's shadows.
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Desiring the defeat of death's influence and the arrival of divine light.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Repeating the call for joy and celebration with the imminent arrival of Emmanuel.
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Affirming the promise that Emmanuel will come to Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come
Invoking the Key of David, symbolizing authority and access.
And open wide our heav’nly home;
Requesting the opening of the heavenly home and making the way safe.
Make safe the way that leads on high,
Asking for guidance on the path that leads to spiritual heights.
And close the path to misery.
Seeking closure of the path leading to misery and suffering.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Repeating the call for joy and rejoicing in the expectation of Emmanuel.
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Reaffirming the promise that Emmanuel will come to Israel.
Comment