This writer was one of but a few who could have appreciated all that his bible was telling him. Maybe this anonymous poet even saw an illustration during his time (like this one, known as the Tree of Jesse, based on the Hortus deliciarum of Herrad of Landesberg) that helped spark some of his eight verses of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel (alternately spelled ‘Immanuel’)”. Just a scant number of people actually had access to a bible in the 12th Century when this hymn, now at least nine centuries old, was first penned. So, maybe he was a monk, and one who could read and write in Latin (the poem-song’s original language). It seems likely that Christmas was approaching, during the season known as Advent that occurs in the weeks before December 25th. How does one best honor the God who came as a babe? This poet evidently took most of his cues from prophets, who had several names for Him.
Can you imagine the names of the God-Son sung in chant in a building made of stone, so that His name might seem to echo forever? That is the method this blogger employed, trying to place himself in the shoes of this ancient writer. And, open a bible and start reading the various names that prophets foretold, including ones that mention Jesus’ genealogy. That gives an otherwise obscure name like Jesse (although he was the father of a well-known king) significance. He’s the ‘rod’ and the ‘root of Jesse’ (vv. 3 and 7). This author camped out some more in the same place where he had read about Jesse: the writing of the prophet Isaiah captured his imagination, and so he had ‘Emmanuel’ and ‘Thou Key of David’, the genesis for two other verses (vv. 1 and 5). Could he have been reading Proverbs too, where ‘wisdom’ (v.2) is used over 50 times, far more than any other book of the bible? ‘Day-spring’ (v. 4) indicates the author was certainly reading Luke’s version of events, and was convinced that God-in-the-flesh was foretold by another prophet’s father (Zechariah [alternately known as Zacharias], father of John the Baptist). How many times have even devout believers cracked open the book of the minor prophet Haggai? This 12th Century monk (?) must have, since he calls Emmanuel also the ‘Desire of nations’ (v.8, referring potentially to Haggai 2:7). The ‘great Lord’ (v.6) would not have been difficult for the poet to identify in many biblical places, but perhaps none better than Psalms, the Hebrews’ songbook (Psalms 48, 95, 96, 99, 104, and 135, especially).
How many verses could a lyricist concoct, if he used the same method this 12th Century bard applied? Indeed, could God’s names ever be exhausted? He’ll give us who gain heaven the opportunity to try! We’re told that is where believers will spend our time singing and calling out to Him (Revelation). So, it just might be good strategy to start boning up on all His names that you can find within the pages that He’s given. I sure wouldn’t want to be wondering about His identity, and I hope He will recognize me, too. So, how does one get practice? So many people use His name, but not in the way even the abusers of it would admit is complimentary. Even some of us who want to honor Him slip up occasionally, if we’re honest. One way begins with a monk’s approach. Try putting yourself in his place, 900 years ago. It’s not too late.
See more information on the song story in these sources: The Complete Book of Hymns – Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs by William J. Petersen and Ardythe Petersen, Tyndale House Publishers, 2006; Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, 1990; and 101 Hymn Stories, by Kenneth W. Osbeck, Kregel Publications, 1982.
See link here to the song’s original eight verses and refrain: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/o/c/o/m/ocomocom.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment