to Bethlehem” situates the singer both among the shepherds who rushed to see Christ and in the great continuation of the “faithful” that have traveled to Bethlehem in a spiritual nature for over 2,000 years.Īlthough today, we cannot actually witness Jesus in the manger, we can come to Bethlehem in a symbolic sense. The encouragement to “come, all ye faithful. The most well-known English translation was done by Frederick Oakeley in 1852.

The Latin version, or at least the first two words, meaning 'come you faithful ones,' is recognizable to some of us today, partially because it has been covered by people like Andrea Bocelli, Bing Crosby, and Nat King Cole. The exact origins of the original hymn are not known, but it was most likely composed by John Francis Wade in the middle of the eighteenth century.

Luke 2:13,14 - Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven,Īnd on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'.'O Come, All Ye Faithful' is an adaptation of a Latin hymn Adeste Fidelis.

Psalm 95:6 - Come, let us bow down in worship,.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

Luke 2:15-17 - When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.' So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,Ĭome and behold Him, born the King of angels Most modern hymnals use verses 1, 3, and 7 only. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Who would not love Thee, loving us so dearly? We to the Christ Child bring our hearts' oblations.Ĭhild, for us sinners poor and in the manger, Lo! Star-led chieftans, Magi, Christ adoring, We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle, Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal, O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,Ĭome and behold him, born the King of angels

Come all ye faithful lyrics