Meaning of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel / We Three Kings of Orient Are" by Neil Diamond

The lyrics of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel / We Three Kings of Orient Are" combine two traditional Christmas carols that focus on the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" invokes the longing of the people of Israel for their Messiah to come and bring them salvation from their captivity. The repeated calls to rejoice highlight the hope and excitement that the arrival of Emmanuel represents for the world. On the other hand, "We Three Kings of Orient Are" shifts the focus to the journey of the Magi from the East, guided by a star to find the Christ child. The imagery of field and fountain, moor and mountain, emphasizes the diverse origins of those who come to worship the newborn king. The act of bearing gifts symbolizes offering one's best to honor and worship the divine. Overall, these lyrics speak to the universal themes of anticipation, journey, and worship associated with the Christmas story.