Apparently, this song was originally a Catholic hymn written in Latin (Veni, veni, Emmanuel). The modern version we are used to was written in the 1800s, but the original could be as old as the 8th century. It also might have been used as Gregorian chants or a processional for Franciscan nuns. Sweet!
Although we usually think of it as a Christmas carol, it's actually an Advent song. It's taken from Isaiah 7:14 which predicts the Messiah coming to us. Obviously Jesus has already come, but now we use Advent as a time to remember his coming as well as to look forward to his next coming.
The Latin (traditional) version.
The Sufjan Stevens (indie) version.
The August Burns Red (hard) version.
"Oh come, Thou Day-Spring Come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel Shall come to thee, o Israel"
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've read it without singing it before. Sometimes I can sing the words and not let the brain engage. It's really redemptive. Kinda invoking how the world is on the brink of death or in thorough despair. Then Jesus comes to fulfill those hopes, but he comes as a baby (a form that people usually don't take hope in because it has delayed potential). A baby can't save the world, but when He grows up he can. Each verse kinda invokes being in darkness, despair, death, etc. Jesus comes to deliver us from all those things, and usually that's the point of salvation for many people when they have come to an end in themselves, they can turn to nothing else, and must submit to the authority of Christ to survive.
Love this song!
ReplyDeleteI love that sufjan stevens version. Listen to it often.
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