Carol I, Desire of Nations, Come

O come, O come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lowly exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, Thou rod of Jesse, free
Thy children from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease
Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to thee, O Israel

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set Thy people free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel’s strength and consolation
hope of all the earth Thou art
Dear desire of every nation
joy of every longing heart

Joy to those who long to see thee
Dayspring from on high, appear
Come, thou promised Rod of Jesse
Of thy birth we long to hear
O’er the hills the angels singing
Glad tidings of a birth
“Go to him, your praises bringing
Christ the Lord has come to earth!”

Born Thy people to deliver
Born a child, and yet a King
Born to reign in us forever
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone
By Thine own sufficient merit
Raise us to Thy glorious throne

Come, Messiah come!