O Come All Ye Faithful

John Francis Wade particularly seemed impressed by the way the shepherds responded together when they heard about the birth of Jesus. In 1760, Wade felt inspired to write both words and music to a hymn he called Adeste Fideles. Although he was an Englishman, Wade wrote in Latin and never translated his hymn into English.

The English version began with Frederick Oakely who, in 1841, translated the first three verses and gave the song the name “O Come All Ye Faithful.” Later, William Thomas Brooke added two additional English verses.

Together, these men gave us a song that focuses on the worship of Jesus. We can “come and behold Him, born the King of angels.” It reminds us that Jesus changes our lives. As we are changed, we want to join our hearts and lives with other Believers.

Once the shepherds heard the words the angels spoke, they knew they needed to do something. They had to go, together, to “see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” The power of the Gospel is so real and dynamic that it changes our lives and gives us an entirely new attitude. And we feel compelled to share the Good News with others!

This Christmas season, revel in every opportunity to gather with other Christians to sing the praises of our Savior: “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.” As you fellowship and worship God together, celebrate the miracle of Jesus’ birth.

If Jesus has changed your life, make this a worshipful Christmas season. Worship Jesus. Adore Him. He is Christ the Lord!