Sara Groves's song "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is an adaptation of a traditional Christian hymn that dates back to the 8th century. The original hymn was written in Latin and was part of the liturgy for Advent, a season leading up to Christmas in the Christian calendar. The song speaks of the longing and despair of the Jewish people, who were awaiting the arrival of the Messiah promised by God. It refers to Israel as a captive nation, mourning and living in exile, eagerly anticipating the coming of the Son of God to set them free. Throughout the song, there are different pleas and requests to Emmanuel, which means "God with us" in Hebrew. Emmanuel is a reference to Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecies. The song calls for Emmanuel to bring wisdom from above, to guide and order all things, and to show the path of knowledge. The lyrics also express the desire for peace and unity among all nations. The "desire of nations" refers to Jesus Christ as the one who can bring people together, ending envy, strife, and quarrels, and establishing himself as the true King of Peace. The repeated refrain of "Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel" emphasizes the anticipation and hopefulness of the Jewish people, knowing that their redemption and salvation will come through the promised Messiah. Overall, the song captures the essence of Advent, which is a time of waiting and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. It conveys the longing for hope, wisdom, peace, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.
