O Come, All Ye Faithful

Purpose of Christmas Carol Study To bring us out of our habit of mechanically singing without thinking To challenge us to see the good/bad theology in Christmas carols To focus our attention on our Savior during the busyness of the Christmas season

History of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” The text to “O Come, All Ye Faithful” was originally written in Latin as “Adeste Fideles.” Researchers believe it was probably written by an Englishman, John Wade ( ). The original four verses of the hymn were extended to a total of eight, which have been translated into many languages.

History of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” The English translation (1841 & 1852) by the English Catholic priest Frederick Oakley is widespread in most English- speaking countries. This translation is based on the original four verses and chorus as translated by Oakeley which are first, second, sixth and seventh (of the eight extended verses)

Verse 1 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:

Verse 2 God of God, Light of Light, Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb; Very God, Begotten, not created.

Verse 3 Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above! Glory to God In the highest.

Verse 4 Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus to thee be all glory given! Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing!

Chorus O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Discussion Questions Is the hymn making a statement or asking a question? Who are the faithful? Why are the faithful characterized as “joyful and triumphant”?

Discussion Questions What is the meaning of the term “King of angels? What is the meaning of the term “Word of the Father? So what is the message of this carol?