The hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful” is believed to have been written between 1740 and 1743, as the earliest manuscripts of it show. It seems to be a collaboration between a group of individuals, but John Francis Wade is the one who has his name written on the hymn that we see today. Wade was an English musician who lived off of copying and selling music. This hymn was originally written in Latin and titled “Adeste Fideles" and comes from a Roman Catholic tradition. It was later translated into English by Frederick Oakeley, William Brooke, and Abbé Etienne Jean François Borderies. Oakeley translated verses 1, 2, and 3 of the hymn. Borderies is known to have translated three more.

After Oakeley finished translating, the hymn appeared in an English church hymnal. It was titled, “Let us go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass.” Many other versions and alterations of this well-known hymn exist.

One particular thing to note is that the second verse seems inspired by the Nicene Creed, written at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. What a unique characteristic that links us back to the early years of church history. It makes the significance of this hymn that much richer.

“O Come All Ye Faithful” seems to put us as worshipers in the middle of the story. In the first verse, we are beckoned to see what has occurred in Bethlehem. Jesus, our Savior, has been born, the one who frees us from all of our sins. All who believe in him are welcome. We are invited along with the shepherds to behold what has happened.

This is why hymns like “O Come All Ye Faithful” have been written. There is a reason to sing and celebrate during Christmas because of our hope in Jesus. We can come together with other believers and the angels in heaven to behold our Savior. I pray this knowledge makes our Christmas season that much more joy-filled.