O Come to Bethlehem.
O Come to sing.
O Come behold.
O Come, to greet Jesus, born this happy morning.
O Come, Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.
O Come, let us adore him!
John Francis Wade is now generally recognized as the author and composer of this hymn about 1743. There were four original verses written in Latin. Frederick Oakeley translated the hymn in 1841 from Latin. There have been several others who have added verses to the original hymn.
The hymn, O Come, All Ye Faithful, is an invitation to come to the manger in Bethlehem to see and worship the Christ Child. The words and music of this hymn signal that the Christmas season is here. I love the music especially when it is joined by brass instruments, and everyone is singing. It always fills me with wonder to be in the sanctuary and hear the organ playing this hymn. It makes my heart sing and tears well in my eyes.
Prayer: Holy Father, praise be your name! Thank you for the gift of music. Thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. O Come, let us adore Him! Amen.
Theresa Higgins