Hymn Story:
O Come O Come Emmanuel is the translation of a ninth-century Latin hymn, Veni Veni Immanuel. It recreates O Antiphons that are sung in many churches around the world during the last few days before Christmas. Each verse represents a different Antiphon with the refrain, “Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!” This Christmas hymn highlights the past words of God, encourages today’s believers, and gives great hope that the Messiah will return again one day.
