David Otten: Celebrating Christmas's rich heritage of music

Greetings from Faith Lutheran Church in Eldorado.

Part of celebrating Christmas is music, and the church through the ages has a rich heritage of music dedicated to the celebration of Christ's birth. I will share with you a number of hymn/carols that have come to us over the centuries as we pass through the season of Advent and Christmas. The first hymn I want to share with you is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

My resource for this and other hymns is the Lutheran Service Book Companion to the Hymns Vol 1. (LSBCTTH V 1), by CPH, St. Louis, 2019.

This is an ancient hymn (8th century), well thought out, and rich in theological and Biblical content. It did not start out as a hymn but seven antiphons for the seven days before Christmas (Dec. 17 through the 23rd). Antiphon is "Greek for 'responsive'; refers to a Scripture verse sung before and after a psalm or canticle." (Gathered Guests, by Timothy Maschke, CPH, St. Louis, 2003 pg. 486) It is used to highlight the theme of a canticle or psalm. In this case it was highlighting the "Song of Mary - the Magnificat."

Each antiphon or stanza begins with the word "O" followed by a name or title of Jesus from the Old Testament. Through the years you can fine other stanzas added to the seven. Your hymnal may or may not include extra stanzas. The seven form a Latin acrostic "when read backward: 'ERO CRAS,' means 'tomorrow I will be present'" LSBCTTH V 1 pg. 67.

The first stanza as found in my hymnal begins "O come, O come Emmanuel" Emmanuel or Immanuel means "God with us" and is drawn from Isaiah 7:14. It is the title that is given to Jesus in Matthew 1:22-23; the title also dominates the hymn. The church (Israel) sings this prayer for Christ to come and rescue her.

Stanza two, "O come, Thou Wisdom from on high" This reflects Proverbs 8:12, 22-31 and recalls Christ's work in the creation of the universe. The stanza acknowledges His order and looks to His knowledge to teach the paths she (Mary) is to walk.

Stanza three, "O come, O come, Thou Lord of might." This recognizes Jesus as both Adonai and Yahweh present at Mt. Sinai as the Law was given to Moses.

Stanza four, "O come, Thou Branch of Jesse's tree" Drawn from Isaiah 11:1 and 10. It points to King David, the son of Jesse. As David won battle over his enemies Christ frees us from Satan.

Stanza five, "O come, Thou Key of David, come." This continues the theme from stanza four and has its origins in Isaiah 22:22.

Stanza six, "O come, Thou Dayspring from on high." This is a messianic title that signifies the light that overcomes the darkness reflecting Isaiah 9:1, 5-6.

Last stanza, "O come, Desire of nations, bind." From Haggai 2:7 and emphasizes His rule that will unite all nations.

The tune originates in France from the 15th century and has the Latin title "VENI EMMANUEL."

<i>David Otten is pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Eldorado.</i>