Veni, Veni Emmanuel (O Come, O Come, Emmanuel) is a synthesis of the antiphons of Advent, and may have originated as early as the 8th century. The hymn is filled with the longing and expectation of the Old Testament people as they waited in desolate exile for the coming of the Messiah. Each verse addresses Our Savior with a different title from Scriptures, such as the Key of David or the Rod of Jesse.
The musical tune is taken from a 15th century French processional.
Listen to Veni Veni Emmanuel
Lyrics:
Veni, veni Emmanuel;
Captivum solve Israel,
Qui gemit in exilio,
Privatus Dei Filio.
Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
Nascetur pro te, Israel!
Veni, O Iesse Virgula,
Ex hostis tuos ungula,
De spectu tuos tartari
Educ et antro barathri.
Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, veni, O Oriens;
Solare nos adveniens,
Noctis depelle nebulas,
Dirasque noctis tenebras.
Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, Clavis Davidica.
Regna reclude caelica;
Fac iter tutum superum,
Et claude vias inferum.
Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Veni, veni Adonai!
Qui populo in Sinai,
Legem dedisti vertice,
In maiestate gloriae.
Gaude! Gaude! Emmanuel,
Nascetur pro te, Israel.
Translation:
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
Ransom the captive Israel,
Who in this exile is mourning
Deprived of the Son of God.
Rejoice! Rejoice! The Emmanuel
Shall be born for thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse,
Save Thy people from Satan's tyranny,
From the danger of Hell,
And break the power of the abyss.
Rejoice! Rejoice! The Emmanuel
Shall be born for thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, Eastern Light,
Draw near to enlighten us,
Disperse the clouds of night,
Its furies and darkness.
Rejoice! Rejoice! The Emmanuel
Shall be born for thee, O Israel.
O come, Key of David,
Open the locked Heaven;
Make the roads lead to on high
And close the path to Hell.
Rejoice! Rejoice! The Emmanuel
Shall be born for thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, Adonai,
Who to the people on Sinai's
Heights, did give the law
In the glory of Thy majesty.
Rejoice! Rejoice! The Emmanuel
Shall be born for thee, O Israel.
