- photo by Susan PageRecently, I attended a concert where traditional Christmas carols were beautifully shared.

I deeply appreciate the rich history behind the words and the tradition of these sacred hymns passed down throughout the generations. Some people think the timeless Christmas carols are no longer relevant. I beg to differ, knowing that, like the traditional hymns of the Church these carols have lyrics and melodies that speak deeply to our souls. Singing them also brings back memories of people and places that have been a part of our heritage.

Sometimes, familiarity with Christmas carols can distract us from paying close attention to the message waiting to be unwrapped. Unfamiliar language can also trip us up, particularly for the young, however, when this happens it is a gift of a teaching opportunity. Then there are the times when our hearts can stir when an older hymn is adapted into a new arrangement. Our good Father has given talented musicians the gift of creating and re-creating hymns and carols. We should have open hands and hearts to receive both old and new.

There is a deep and significant meaning and history behind the Christmas Carol, O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

Written in Latin, around the 12th century, this carol was sung in monasteries during Advent. In 1851 John Mason Neal translated the hymn into English. It was not until 1940 that the full English version appeared in the hymnal of the Episcopal Church. The hymn in its entirety refers to the deep yearning of Israel for Christ’s first coming and an intense longing for our Saviour’s return.

The tune by Thomas Helmore (1851) associated with this carol captures the plaintive mood of our thirsting, hungering, aching hearts. Yet, the emotion completely shifts to powerful bursts of joy when resounding praise comes at the end of each stanza “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.”

Just like Zechariah, Elizabeth, Simeon, and other biblical saints we too might wonder when the waiting will be over, especially considering current world events. Yet, we wait with faith and hope as it says in Scripture, “…through the Spirit, we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope” (Galatians 5:5).

Let us not be afraid to stop during the hustle and bustle of this season to grieve for our broken world, because somewhere deep inside we must get past the tinsel and mistletoe and express our deep longing for a new tomorrow.

As we celebrate Emmanuel, God with us and wait in expectation, we rejoice together as we commemorate our Saviour’s birth. We also wait expectantly with faith in the promise that Christ will come again and make all things new. “He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!'” (Revelation 21:5)

As we sing, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” let us be thankful for the truth of the message of Christ’s birth and be hopeful as we await His return. Consider reflectively making the last two stanzas of this beautiful Christmas carol your prayer.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
And order all things, far and nigh;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And cause us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Added verses trans. H. S. Coffin (1916)Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.