Tune Name: ADESTE FIDELES
Composer: John Francis Wade
Meter: Irregular
Hymnbook Source: 18th-century Catholic hymnals
O Come All Ye Faithful Lyrics
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant, and
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him,
Born the King of angels;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O Come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.
God of God, Light of Light
Lo, He abhors not the Virgin's womb
Very God
Begotten, not created
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God
In the highest
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning
Jesus, to Thee be glory given
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
Christ the Lord!
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | O Come All Ye Faithful |
| Author / Lyricist | John Francis Wade (1711–1786) |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional / adapted from Wade’s original melody |
| Date Written / Published | Mid-18th century |
| Historical Context | English and European Christmas hymn tradition; written during Catholic devotional practices in 18th-century England. |
| Theme / Message | Adoration of Christ at His birth; invitation to worship the newborn King. |
| Notable Features | Joyful, triumphant melody; congregational participation encouraged. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | One of the most famous Christmas hymns worldwide; used in liturgical and secular celebrations. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis On This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| John Francis Wade, English Hymn Writer & Music Copyist, 1711–1786 | Wade composed the hymn, emphasizing adoration and praise of Christ’s birth. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian remarks on its liturgical use in Christmas services and its theological clarity. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s hymns celebrate Christ’s incarnation and praise, aligning with this hymn’s theme. |
| John Mason Neale, Hymn Translator, 1818–1866 | Neale notes its enduring appeal through translation and its devotional impact. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees highlights the hymn’s musical and lyrical qualities, supporting congregational singing. |
O Come All Ye Faithful - Adeste Fideles (John Francis Wade)… C. Frederick Oakeley)
Come All Ye Faithful, also known by its Latin name "Adeste Fideles," is a beloved Christmas hymn that has been sung for centuries. The lyrics were originally written in Latin by John Francis Wade in the 18th century, and the English translation was done by C. Frederick Oakeley in the mid-19th century.
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