Recently, I did a little research about the origins of carols and caroling. As is often the case with customs that have been in practice for thousands of years, the history is vague.  

I did learn that many of the hymns that we sing today have their roots in the 3^rd and 4^th centuries, with St. Francis of Assisi thought to be one of the people who encouraged their singing in a more popular form. Christmas and Easter have always been important feast days in church history, no matter what brand of religion is being practiced. So, it follows that the customs and music surrounding these celebrations should involve the people and provide appropriate settings and inspiration.  

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” has always fulfilled those goals for me personally. It is a 9^th century Latin hymn that was translated by John Mason Neale and published in 1851. This ancient carol is sung during the season of Advent as we await the birth of Jesus.  

The piece, along with other antiphons (psalm or anthems) were sung in the 800’s from December 17 to December 23. Neale researched this music, translated it, and published it. It remains one of the stalwarts of Advent hymns. 

Neale, born the son of an Anglican clergyman in 1818, studied at Cambridge University and was ordained an Anglican minister in 1841. During his time at university he became interested in the Oxford Movement and the Roman Catholic Church. These interests prevented him from obtaining a congregation, however he became the director of a home for elderly men – Sackville College, which still exists today as a retirement home for men. 

While in this position, he was able to research and translate to his heart’s content. It was a perfect position for him. He was not pleased with the hymns of Isaac Watts and wanted to return Christianity to its former liturgical dignity. What would he do today? 

In addition to O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Neale brought us: “Good King Wenceslas,” “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” and “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.”  All among my favorites! 

Whenever I have the opportunity to learn the history of a musical piece, I come away with awe that these devoted men and women who lived so long ago have the same reverence that I have for God and for music. Their compositions, translations and publications demonstrate how music provides a vehicle to transport God’s people into a right relationship with Him.  

I know that God loved them unconditionally, just as He loves you unconditionally. 

Enjoy this rendition of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” as Enya performs it in both English and Latin. Let your soul be touched by the spirit of the music and bring you into harmony with the season. Into harmony with God. 

Terri