The Advent song O Come, O Come, Emmanuel as we know it today, is adapted from a fifteenth-century French melody, but may originate from as far back as possibly the 12th century. It first appeared in English as translated by John M. Neale in 1851. It’s a prayer by those who hoped that the Christ would come to earth and make all things right.
O come, O come, Emmanuel / And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here / Until the Son of God appear.
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.
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.
O 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.
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.
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.
O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree, / An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall; / All peoples on Thy mercy call.
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.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
Hymn tune: VENI EMMANUEL
Church Calendar: Advent, Christmas
| Sixteen Handbells, C5-D7 |  |
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| Score Package: | $10.00 US | |
| Practice track: | $2.00 US | |
| Sixteen Handbells, G4-A6 |  |
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| Score Package: | $10.00 US | |
| Practice track: | $2.00 US | |
Larry and Carla:
Kalamazoo Ringers quartet:
Other arrangements available for six handbells plus piano, eight handbells, and handbell choir.
Purchasing this 16-bell arrangement gives you permission to print and maintain up to eight copies for your handbell group – so you only need to pay once. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
