Introduction: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Attributed to John Francis Wade)
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” (attributed to John Francis Wade) first appeared in 1743 as a translation of the Latin hymn “Adeste Fideles.” The original Latin text is believed to have been written in the 13th century. The English translation by John Francis Wade is celebrated for its lyrical beauty, poetic imagery, and its ability to capture the spirit of the original. Wade’s translation effectively conveys the joy, reverence, and adoration expressed in the hymn, making it a beloved Christmas carol worldwide.
Text: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Attributed to John Francis Wade)
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!
Refrain:
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
2 God of God, Light of Light,
lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb;
very God, begotten not created; [Refrain]
3 Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest![Refrain]
4 Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! [Refrain]
Annotations: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Attributed to John Francis Wade)
| Verse | Line | Annotation |
| 1 | O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant | An invitation to the faithful, calling them to gather with joy and triumph to witness the birth of Christ. |
| O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! | Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is the destination where the faithful are called to gather. | |
| Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels! | Encourages the faithful to witness the birth of Christ, who is honored as the “King of angels.” | |
| Refrain: | The refrain is a repeated chorus expressing worship and adoration for Christ. | |
| O come, let us adore Him; | A call to adore and worship Christ, emphasizing collective devotion. | |
| O come, let us adore Him; | Repetition reinforces the worship of Christ. | |
| O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord! | Declares Christ as “the Lord,” reaffirming His divine status and the centrality of His worship. | |
| 2 | God of God, Light of Light, | A reference to Christ’s divinity, derived from God the Father, and His association with light, symbolizing purity. |
| lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb; | Affirms the Incarnation, where Christ, though divine, did not reject being born of a virgin (Mary). | |
| very God, begotten not created; | A theological statement affirming Christ as “begotten” of the Father, not a created being, echoing the Nicene Creed. | |
| Refrain: | ||
| 3 | Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation; | A call to the angels to sing in joyful celebration, recognizing their role in proclaiming Christ’s birth. |
| sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above! | Invites all heavenly beings (saints, angels) to join in the song of praise. | |
| Glory to God, all glory in the highest! | A proclamation of God’s glory, echoing the angels’ song in Luke 2:14 (“Glory to God in the highest”). | |
| Refrain: | ||
| 4 | Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; | Expresses the joy and welcome of Christ’s birth, particularly focusing on the moment of His arrival. |
| Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n! | Acknowledges that all glory and honor belong to Jesus, reflecting Christian worship of Christ. | |
| Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! | Refers to Jesus as the “Word” (Logos), a term from John 1:14, signifying the divine Word made flesh. | |
| Refrain: |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Attributed to John Francis Wade)
| Device | Definition | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of words. | “Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!” | The repetition of the “b” sound creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis. |
| Anaphora | The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. | “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!” | The repetition of “O come” emphasizes the invitation and urgency of the hymn. |
| Antithesis | The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas or images. | “God of God, Light of Light” | This phrase contrasts the divine nature of Jesus with the human form he assumed. |
| Assonance | The repetition of the same vowel sound in words that are close together. | “Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation” | The repetition of the “i” sound creates a musical quality. |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration for effect. | “Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!” | This line suggests that all of heaven is singing, emphasizing the universal joy. |
| Imagery | The use of vivid language to create mental images. | “Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!” | This line paints a picture of Jesus as a majestic king. |
| Irony | A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. | (Not directly present in this hymn) | Irony can be used to create humor, surprise, or a deeper meaning. |
| Metaphor | A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” | “Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!” | This line compares Jesus to the word of God, emphasizing his divine nature. |
| Metonymy | The use of a name for something closely associated with it. | “King of angels” | This phrase refers to Jesus, who is the Lord of angels. |
| Onomatopoeia | The use of words that imitate the sounds they represent. | (Not directly present in this hymn) | Examples include “buzz” or “hiss.” |
| Parallelism | The use of similar grammatical structures. | “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!” | The parallel structure of these lines creates a sense of balance and rhythm. |
| Personification | The attribution of human qualities to non-human things. | “Sing, choirs of angels” | Angels are given the human ability to sing. |
| Repetition | The repeated use of words or phrases. | “O come, let us adore Him” | The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the central theme of adoration. |
| Rhyme | The correspondence of sounds at the end of words. | “O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!” | This line rhymes with the previous lines, creating a musical quality. |
| Rhythm | The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry. | The entire hymn has a rhythmic pattern that contributes to its musicality. | |
| Simile | A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” | (Not directly present in this hymn) | Examples include “as white as snow” or “like a lion.” |
| Symbolism | The use of objects or images to represent abstract ideas. | The birth of Jesus symbolizes the hope of salvation. | |
| Syntax | The arrangement of words in sentences. | The hymn uses a variety of sentence structures to create interest and emphasis. | |
| Tone | The attitude of the speaker toward the subject matter. | The tone of the hymn is one of joy, reverence, and adoration. | |
| Verse | A division of a poem. | The hymn is divided into four verses. |
Themes: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Attributed to John Francis Wade)
1. The Incarnation of Christ: The hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful” powerfully conveys the profound mystery of the Incarnation, the divine act whereby God became human. The phrase “God of God, Light of Light” encapsulates this paradox, emphasizing the eternal divinity of Jesus Christ while acknowledging his earthly existence. The hymn suggests that this extraordinary event is a cause for great joy and wonder, as the infinite Creator has entered the finite world to redeem humanity. The Incarnation is presented as a central tenet of Christian faith, a cornerstone upon which the entire gospel rests.
2. The Joyful Adoration of Christ: The hymn exudes a spirit of joyful adoration, urging all believers to come and worship the newborn King. The refrain, “O come, let us adore Him,” is repeated throughout, emphasizing the importance of this act of devotion. The hymn suggests that the birth of Jesus is a cause for celebration and praise, a moment when the heavenly choirs join with earthly voices in a chorus of exultation. The joyful tone of the hymn reflects the profound gratitude and reverence that Christians feel for the Incarnation, a divine act that brings hope and salvation to the world.
3. The Universal Invitation to Faith: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” extends a universal invitation to all people, regardless of their background or status. The opening lines, “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,” emphasize the inclusive nature of the message, suggesting that everyone is welcome to participate in the celebration of Christ’s birth. The hymn suggests that the Incarnation is a gift for all humanity, a source of hope and salvation that transcends cultural, social, and religious boundaries. By inviting all to come and adore Jesus, the hymn reinforces the Christian belief in the universality of God’s love and grace.
4. The Heavenly Glory of Christ: The hymn highlights the heavenly glory associated with Christ’s birth, emphasizing the celestial joy and praise that accompany this divine event. The lines “Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation” and “Glory to God, all glory in the highest” suggest that the Incarnation is a cause for cosmic celebration, a moment when the heavens and the earth rejoice together. The hymn portrays Christ as a figure of immense majesty and splendor, a divine being whose birth is worthy of the greatest praise and adoration. This emphasis on the heavenly glory of Christ reinforces the Christian belief in his divine nature and eternal power.
Literary Theories and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Attributed to John Francis Wade)
| Literary Theory | Explanation | Reference from “O Come, All Ye Faithful” |
| Theological/Religious Criticism | Focuses on the religious and theological dimensions, particularly how the text reflects Christian beliefs, such as the divinity of Christ and the Incarnation. | – “O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!” (Refrain): Central Christian belief in Christ as Lord. – “Very God, begotten not created;” (Verse 2): Reflects Nicene Creed doctrine on Christ’s divinity. |
| Structuralism | Analyzes underlying structures and binary oppositions within the text, such as light vs. dark, divine vs. human, which shape its meaning and symbolism. | – “God of God, Light of Light,” (Verse 2): Contrasts divine light with darkness, a binary opposition often found in Christian theology. – “Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!” (Verse 4): Highlights the contrast between the divine (Word) and human (flesh) in the doctrine of the Incarnation. |
| Reader-Response Criticism | Emphasizes the reader’s or listener’s response and emotional engagement with the text, especially in its call for adoration and worship, creating a participatory experience. | – “O come, let us adore Him” (Refrain): Repetition invites active worship and emotional participation from the reader. – “Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;” (Verse 3): Encourages collective spiritual response and unity in worship, aligning the reader with heavenly beings. |
Critical Questions about “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Attributed to John Francis Wade)
· What is the theological significance of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Jesus Christ?
- Bethlehem, a small town in Judea, holds a profound theological significance in the Christian narrative. As the birthplace of Jesus Christ, it symbolizes the intersection of the divine and the human. The town’s humble setting contrasts with the divine nature of the newborn King, emphasizing the incarnation and the humility of God. This connection to Bethlehem reinforces the idea that Jesus, as the Son of God, came to earth to dwell among humanity.
· How does the hymn explore the concept of the Incarnation, the divine becoming human?
- The hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful” explores the concept of the Incarnation through its portrayal of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully human. This dual nature is a cornerstone of Christian theology, and the hymn effectively conveys it. The lyrics describe Jesus as “God of God, Light of Light” and “very God,” emphasizing His divine nature. However, they also acknowledge His human birth through phrases like “abhors not the virgin’s womb.” This juxtaposition highlights the mystery of the Incarnation and the paradoxical nature of Jesus’ existence.
· What is the role of angels in the hymn, and how do they contribute to the overall theme of celebration and adoration?
- Angels play a pivotal role in the hymn, serving as celestial messengers and participants in the celebration of Christ’s birth. Their presence reinforces the divine nature of the event and the joy it brings to the heavenly realm. The hymn invites the angels to “sing in exultation,” highlighting their joyful participation in the adoration of the newborn King. This angelic celebration contributes to the overall theme of the hymn, emphasizing the universal joy and reverence associated with the birth of Jesus.
· How does the hymn encourage the faithful to participate in the worship and adoration of Jesus Christ?
- The refrain of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” repeatedly calls for the faithful to “adore Him,” emphasizing the central theme of worship and adoration. The hymn encourages the listener to actively participate in this act of reverence, uniting them with the angels and the heavenly host in celebrating the birth of the Lord. By inviting the faithful to come and behold Him, the hymn fosters a sense of community and shared devotion, reinforcing the importance of worshiping Jesus Christ as the divine Savior.
Literary Works Similar to “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Attributed to John Francis Wade)
- “A Christmas Carol” by Anne Porter (2010): This poem, like “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” celebrates the birth of Christ with religious reverence and a call to adoration. It conveys the themes of joy and faith during the Christmas season.
- “Nativity” by Li-Young Lee (2008): Similar to “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” this poem reflects on the mystery and wonder of Christ’s birth, blending religious imagery with deep spiritual reflection.
- “The Nativity” by Andrew Hudgins (2013): This poem explores the birth of Christ through a modern lens, yet retains the sense of awe and reverence found in “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” focusing on the humble and miraculous nature of the event.
- “Christmas Hymn” by Richard Wilbur (2010): Like Wade’s hymn, this work invokes the power of song to express religious devotion, calling for a celebratory response to Christ’s birth and the message of hope it brings.
- “Advent Calendar” by Rowan Williams (2009): This poem, similar to “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” meditates on the anticipation of Christ’s arrival, emphasizing the themes of expectation, worship, and the divine mystery of the Incarnation.
Suggested Readings: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Attributed to John Francis Wade)
- Wade, John Francis, et al. O Come, All Ye Faithful. Liberty Music Group, 2003. PDF.
https://www.libertymusicgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/o_come_all_ye_faithful_-2371300045–both_keys-_pdf_orchestration_watermarked.pdf
Representative Quotations of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (Attributed to John Francis Wade)
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant” | An opening invitation to the faithful to come with joy and victory to celebrate Christ’s birth. | Reader-Response Criticism: Engages the reader emotionally, creating a communal experience of joy and triumph in worship. |
| “O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!” | Calls the faithful to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ, to witness the event of His birth. | Theological Criticism: Emphasizes the significance of Bethlehem in Christian tradition as the birthplace of Jesus. |
| “Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!” | Invites the faithful to witness the newborn Christ, referred to as the King of angels. | Structuralism: Establishes a binary opposition between the divine (Christ, angels) and the mortal (humans, believers). |
| “O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!” | A refrain that repeats the call for adoration and worship of Christ as Lord. | Reader-Response Criticism: Repetition reinforces the call to worship, making it central to the reader’s spiritual engagement. |
| “God of God, Light of Light” | Affirms Christ’s divine nature, drawing on theological terms that emphasize His role as both God and light. | Theological Criticism: Direct reference to the Nicene Creed, affirming Christ’s divine nature as derived from God the Father. |
| “Lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb” | Christ does not reject being born of a virgin, highlighting the miracle of the Incarnation. | Theological Criticism: Focuses on the Incarnation, a key Christian belief that emphasizes Christ’s humanity and divine nature. |
| “Very God, begotten, not created” | Reinforces the idea that Christ is not a created being, but eternally begotten of God, affirming His divine essence. | Theological Criticism: Echoes the doctrine of the Nicene Creed, stressing Christ’s divine origin. |
| “Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation” | Encourages the angels and heavenly beings to join in singing praises for Christ’s birth. | Structuralism: Establishes a divine vs. mortal dichotomy, calling on heavenly beings to lead the worship of Christ. |
| “Glory to God, all glory in the highest” | A declaration of praise and worship for God, echoing the angelic proclamation from the Gospel of Luke. | Theological Criticism: Direct biblical reference (Luke 2:14), linking the hymn’s worship with scriptural authority. |
| “Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing” | Refers to Jesus as the “Word” (Logos) made flesh, central to the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation. | Structuralism: Contrasts the divine (Word) with the human (flesh), illustrating the mystery of the Incarnation. |