Title: Oh Come All Ye faithful
Hymn Number: SS&S 31 (Sacred songs and solo)
1 Oh come all ye faithful,
Joyfully triumphant,
To Bethlehem hasten now with glad accord:
Lo ! in a manger
Lies the King of angels ;
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ
the Lord !
2 Raise,raise, choirs of angels,
Songs of loudest triumph;
Through heaven’s high arches be your
praises poured :Now to our God be
Glory in the highest ;
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord !
3 Amen ! Lord, we bless Thee,
Born for our salvation ;
O Jesus ! for ever be Thy name adored;
Word of the Father,
Late in flesh appearing ;
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him, Christ
the Lord !
About The Hymn
The hymn “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” (Sacred Songs and Solos Hymn 31) is a timeless and triumphant Christmas carol that invites worshippers to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with joy, reverence, and adoration. Its Latin origins (Adeste Fideles) date back to the 18th century, with lyrics often attributed to John Francis Wade. It has since become one of the most cherished hymns of the Christmas season, celebrating Christ’s incarnation.
Here’s an exploration of its three verses as they might appear in Sacred Songs and Solos, focusing on its central themes:
Verse 1: The Call to Worship
“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels!”
The first verse serves as an enthusiastic invitation to all believers, described as “faithful,” to gather in Bethlehem, the site of Jesus’ nativity. It sets the tone of joy and triumph, reflecting the fulfillment of the long-awaited promise of the Messiah’s birth. The call to “come and behold Him” underscores the awe-inspiring nature of this moment—the incarnation of God as a newborn child, emphasizing both His divinity and His humanity.
By referring to Christ as the “King of angels,” the hymn highlights Jesus’ divine authority and His exalted position above all creation. The verse expresses a sense of communal excitement, inviting everyone to participate in this monumental event with hearts full of reverence and gratitude.
The refrain, “O come, let us adore Him,” reinforces the theme of adoration, urging believers to respond in worship to the miracle of Christ’s birth.
Verse 2: The Glory of Christ’s Birth
“Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest!”
The second verse transitions to a celestial celebration, inviting angelic choirs and the “citizens of heaven” to join in the worship. This imagery echoes the biblical account of angels announcing Christ’s birth to shepherds in Luke 2:13-14, where a heavenly host praises God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”
The verse emphasizes the universal and heavenly scope of Christ’s arrival. It portrays not just earthly worshippers but also the entire heavenly realm glorifying God for the fulfillment of His divine plan. The exultation of angels and the glorification of God underscore the cosmic significance of Jesus’ birth—an event that impacts both heaven and earth.
Verse 3: Christ’s Divine Identity
“Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!”
The third verse is a personal and direct address to Christ, celebrating His arrival “this happy morning.” This verse emphasizes the joy of the Incarnation, where Jesus, the “Word of the Father,” takes on human form, a central doctrine in Christian theology based on John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”
The ascription of glory to Jesus reflects His divine nature and His rightful place as the center of worship. The phrase “now in flesh appearing” marvels at the mystery of God becoming man—a profound demonstration of God’s love and His desire to dwell among humanity. This verse captures the wonder and humility of the Incarnation, encouraging worshippers to respond with heartfelt adoration.
Overall Message and Significance
Oh Come, All Ye Faithful is a hymn that encapsulates the joy, reverence, and awe of Christmas. It calls believers to focus on the miraculous nature of Christ’s birth—the fulfillment of prophecies and the arrival of God’s salvation plan for humanity. Each verse progresses from an invitation to worship, to a heavenly celebration, to a personal acknowledgment of Jesus as the Incarnate Word.
The hymn invites not only celebration but also deep theological reflection on the significance of the Incarnation. It reminds Christians of the profound truth that God chose to enter human history as a vulnerable child to redeem His people. By singing this hymn, worshippers join a timeless and universal chorus of praise, echoing the voices of angels and faithful believers throughout the ages.
This carol is often sung with a sense of triumph and joy, making it a highlight of Christmas services and celebrations, and its refrain—“O come, let us adore Him”—remains an enduring call to worship the Savior.