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

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Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

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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

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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

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O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o'er the grave. Refrain

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O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death's abode. Refrain

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O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light. Refrain

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O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.”

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John Mason Neale, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

This is my most favorite hymn of all seasons, not just Advent. The lyrics and melody are so warm, inviting, and hopeful. I grew up singing this song in church every Sunday during Advent. I am always amazed how quick I am to remember these lyrics, given how infrequently this hymn is heard.
   This song is so familiar that on December 23, 2000, when my fellow seminarians and I were asked—unexpectedly and impromptu—to sing an Advent hymn for Pope John Paul II, "O Come Emmanuel" was the likely choice. The small group gathered in the Pope's private chapel, singing this hymn a cappella in (what I remember to be) perfect harmony. (I am sure my memory has taken some license here.)
   This hymn is believed to be the oldest known carol. The Latin words were written in the 12th century, with the melody definitively added by the 15th century. The English translation that we all know was written in 1851. After all this time, this hymn still conveys pregnant anticipation and heart-felt hope that the Messiah is coming in fulfillment of the prophecies. As the Jewish people remember their long history of suffering (recounted in the Old Testament), there nevertheless remained a hope for better days through the coming of the Savior. 
   My hope and prayer are that with all the trials and tribulations we currently face as individuals, as families, as church communities, and as society-at-large, that we too may hold on to the joyful anticipation of better days through the return of Jesus Christ.