Come and rejoice in the birth of God’s son, our brother and Savior! Wikipedia says, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a Christian hymn for Advent, which is also often published in books of Christmas carols. The 1851 translation by John Mason Neale from Hymns Ancient and Modern is the most prominent by far in the English-speaking world, but other translations also exist. ”

Few if any of us use hymnals these days. Few if any hold to not singing Christmas carols during Advent. (One radio station in Cincinnati begins Christmas music on November 1st!) Well, Advent is officially over and the Christmas season in the liturgical calendar is here!

If you are wondering about Immanuel and Emmanuel, Immanuel is the English transliteration from the Hebrew and Emmanuel is the English transliteration from the Greek. I just know Him as God with us, day in and day out to my delight and comfort!

1  O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel 
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

2 O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain

3 O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain

Have you invited Immanuel into your life and heart? I cannot get enough of this hymn this year.