Intro
The Christmas season is upon us, and one of the most beloved hymns of the season is "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." This ancient hymn has been a staple of Advent and Christmas celebrations for centuries, and its beautiful lyrics and haunting melody continue to captivate audiences around the world.
For those who want to sing along with this timeless classic, we've provided a printable version of the lyrics below. But first, let's take a closer look at the history and meaning behind this iconic hymn.
The History of O Come, O Come Emmanuel
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is based on a ancient Latin hymn, "Veni, Veni Emmanuel," which dates back to the 12th century. The hymn was originally written as a series of antiphons, or short chants, that were sung during the Vespers service in the days leading up to Christmas.
Over time, the hymn was adapted and translated into various languages, including English. The modern version of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" was first published in the 19th century, and it has since become a beloved Christmas carol around the world.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
The lyrics of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" are a beautiful expression of the longing and anticipation that characterize the Advent season. The hymn is a plea for the coming of Jesus Christ, who is described as the "Emmanuel" or "God with us."
Throughout the hymn, we find references to the Old Testament prophecies of a Messiah who would come to redeem God's people. The lyrics also allude to the idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophecies, and that his coming brings light and hope to a world in darkness.
Printable Version of O Come, O Come Emmanuel Lyrics
Here is a printable version of the lyrics to "O Come, O Come Emmanuel":
Verse 1: O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.
Verse 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.
Verse 3: 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.
Verse 4: O come, thou Rod of Jesse's stem, From every foe deliver them That trust thy mighty power to save, And give them vict'ry o'er the grave.
Verse 5: O come, thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery.
Verse 6: O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Verse 7: O come, thou King of nations, come, And know thy people's hopes and fears; Bind in one the hearts of all mankind; Bid thou our sad divisions cease, And be for ever near us, Emmanuel.
Using the Printable Version of O Come, O Come Emmanuel Lyrics
This printable version of the lyrics to "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is perfect for a variety of uses, including:
- Singing along with a group or choir
- Creating a worship service or liturgy
- Decorating a Christmas bulletin board or display
- Giving as a gift to a friend or loved one
Additional Tips for Printing and Sharing
When printing out the lyrics, be sure to use a high-quality printer and paper to ensure that the text is clear and readable. You may also want to consider adding a decorative border or illustration to make the printout more visually appealing.
If you plan to share the printable version of the lyrics with others, be sure to check the copyright laws in your area to ensure that you are not infringing on any rights. You may also want to consider adding a note or credit to the printout to acknowledge the original source of the lyrics.
O Come O Come Emmanuel Image Gallery
We hope that this printable version of the lyrics to "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is a valuable resource for you this Christmas season. Whether you're singing along with a group or choir, or simply enjoying the beautiful melody and lyrics on your own, we wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season.