Catholic Activity: Advent Hymn: O Come Emmanuel

The text of this hymn is based on the seven Great Antiphons (O-Antiphons) which are said before and after the Magnificat at Vespers from December 17 to 23. The metrical Latin form dates from the early 18th century. English translation J.M. Neale (1818-1866), and The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in U.S.A. (stanzas 2 and 4), by permission of The Church Pension Fund. Melody, first (Dorian) mode.

DIRECTIONS

1. O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel!
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

2. O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who ordrest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go. — Refrain:

3. O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heav'nly home;
Make safe the way that leads to thee,
And close the path to misery. — Refrain:

4. 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. — Refrain:

Activity Source: Around the Year with the Trapp Family by Maria Augusta Trapp, Pantheon Books Inc., New York, New York, 1955