O Come, O Come Emmanuel

This carol has origins dating back to possibly early as the 8th century.  The original text is in Latin ("Veni, Veni, Emmanuel) and was translated to English by John M. Neale in the mid- 1800's.  The text is based on the prophesy in Isaiah 7:14 that states that God will give Israel a sign that will be called Immanuel.  Matthew 1:23 states fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. 

If you want to listen to this one as well, here is a link to You Tube.  It's not the best, but it's free.

=) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRi1GDoaQu4

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel

and ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Refrain:

Rejoice!  Rejoice!  

Emmanuel shall come to thee, oh Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,

Who orderest all things mightily;

To us the path of knowledge show,

And teach us in her ways to go.

Refrain

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny;

From depths of hell Thy people save;

And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here;

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

and open wide our heavenly home;

make safe the way that leads on high,

and close the path to misery.

Refrain

O Come, O come, great Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height

In ancient times once gave the law

In cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

O come, Thou Root of Jesse's tree,

An ensign of Thy people be;

Before thee rulers silent fall;

All peoples on Thy mercy fall.

Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind

In one the hearts of all mankind;

Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,

And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Refrain"