culture. education. literary studies.
The Advent hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" draws on biblical symbols and imagery, focusing on Israelโs desperate yearning for the Messiah, as promised by the ancient prophets of God: the King who would save the chosen people from otherwise certain death and destruction.
This Christmas carol draws on the imagery and symbols that have for centuries been associated with the celebration of Christmas: holly is symbolic of Jesus, whereas ivy represents his mother Mary. The sharp, prickly leaves of holly stand as a reminder of the crown of thorns Jesus was forced to wear; the red berries represent his blood, shed for humanity.
grammaticus 