O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel is a translation of the Catholic Latin text (“Veni, veni, Emmanuel”) by John Mason Neale in the mid-19th century. The tune is taken from a series of antiphons from at least the 8th Century, but “Veni, veni Emmanuel” may well be 12th Century in origin.   The text is based on the biblical prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 that states that God will give Israel a sign that will be called Immanuel (Lit.: God with us). Matthew 1:23 states fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

The carol has inspired composers Respighi, James MacMillan, Arvo Part and rock group U2.