Note: During the season of Advent, messages and lessons will include a unifying focus that coincides with the four themes of the Advent Sundays (hope, peace, love, and joy). Additionally, each week a Christmas song will be featured, which also incorporates the theme.
The first week of Advent features hope as a central theme. In churches that use Advent wreaths, the first candle lit is often called the hope candle. Hope is a beautiful thing, and it’s important to remind our young ones (and ourselves) to place hope in the One who does not disappoint. For this week’s Christmas hymn, take a look at a song that expresses hope and longing. The suggestion here is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” The lyrics of this song express a longing that only the Messiah could fulfill, and remind us that our hope is in God’s promises. The people of Israel had waited many long years for Jesus. This song calls out for the coming of Christ, but also admonishes us to “rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.” We rejoice as we reflect on the birth of Jesus and hope for His future return.
History: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel was originally written in Latin as a series of antiphons, which were chants to be sung with services in monasteries. It dates all the way back to the 8th or 9th century, when these chants would be sung on the days leading up to Christmas. The hymn was translated into English version in 1851 by a man named John Mason Neale. The tune (“Veni Emmanuel”) was paired with the song that same year, and is what we usually sing now. A couple other stanzas and modifications were added in later years, and modern hymnals offer anything from four to eight verses.
Lyric Highlights: The verses of this song reflect on several Old Testament references and promises. The words call upon Jesus with hopeful anticipation. Some notable themes to consider include:
- Various names for Jesus. These include “Wisdom from on high,” “Lord of might,” “Branch of Jesse’s stem,” “Key of David,” “Bright and Morning Star,” “King of nations”. Each opening line of the verses uses a different title or name for Christ.
- History of God’s people. We see the tribes on Sinai, references to David and Jesse, and a longing for peace, among other things. There is a story told within the stanzas.
- Pleas for help. This carol is a cry of need, which includes specific requests and needs given to God. While some of the verses might seem somber (“bar the way to death’s abode”), for those who trust the Lord and believe He provides, they offer hope of fulfillment.
- Ultimate joy. The chorus reminds us to “rejoice” (literally), knowing that Jesus will come.
Using the song with students:
Advent is a great season to incorporate special hymns and their stories. Of course, younger students might not catch onto the thrill of history or lyric themes as much as older ones, but they can still learn and appreciate the basics of the story behind the carol. Sing a verse or two with them, and learn the chorus by repeating the words or having students write them out a few times. You might also consider playing various versions of the song for students (of any age). For older students, peek at the Latin version of the song for some historical reference. Break students into pairs or groups and have each one review a verse of the song, looking for Scriptural as well as historical connections. Then come together as a group to discuss the song as a whole, and sing it together. Consider how the theme of hope is woven through the piece.
However you choose to incorporate the song, enjoy the history and meaning behind it as part of your Advent celebration!