Adeste Fideles, translated in English as “O Come all ye faithful” is a Christmas carol, originally written in Latin, that has been attributed to various authors. One of the most recognizable of Christmas carols, it is traditionally the final anthem during Midnight Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The original four verses of the hymn were extended to a total of eight, and these have been translated into many languages. We explore the themes of this carol and their applicability not only to the Christmas season but to all year round.

 

Scriptures referenced include Luke 2:8-16; Matthew 2:1-12; and John 1:14.