O Come O Come Emmanuel
Emmanuel's Hope: Ransoming Hearts with Joyful Light
Lyrics
One two three four
Introduction, possibly indicating a countdown or rhythm.
O come, o come Emmanuel
Invoking the arrival of Emmanuel, a name for Jesus Christ.
And ransom captive Israel
Expressing the hope for the liberation of captive Israel through Christ.
That mourns in lonely exile here
Describing the current state of Israel in exile, mourning and loneliness.
Until the Son of God appears
Awaiting the appearance of the Son of God to bring comfort.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
Repeated call for joy, emphasizing the anticipation and celebration.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
-O come, Thou day spring, come and cheer
Invoking Jesus as the dawn, asking for encouragement and joy through His arrival.
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Requesting the uplifting of spirits through the coming of Christ.
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
Asking for the dispelling of darkness and gloom in life.
And death's dark shadows put to flight
Seeking liberation from the shadows of death through Christ's coming.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
Repeated calls for joy and anticipation, mentioning Emmanuel again.
Emmanuel
-And ransom captive Israel
Reiteration of the desire for the redemption of captive Israel.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
Further emphasis on rejoicing and celebration.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
-O come, o come, Thou Lord of mights
Calling on the Lord of mights, likely referring to God's power.
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height
Recalling the giving of the law on Sinai's height in ancient times.
In ancient times didn't give the law
Reflecting on the historical act of delivering the law to the tribes.
In cloud and majesty and awe
Describing the grandeur and awe of the delivery, possibly symbolizing divine authority.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
Intensified calls for rejoicing, building on the theme of celebration.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
-Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
-Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice
Concluding emphasis on rejoicing, echoing the theme throughout the lyrics.
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