LSB 379: O Come, All Ye Faithful

The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN and host of the program goes solo for this study the hymn “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

Turning now to LSB 379 we come upon a hymn originally titled "Adeste Fideles" in Latin. Its history is shrouded in mystery with a touch of political intrigue. It is believed to have been written by John Francis Wade, an English Catholic hymnist, in the 18th century but didn’t become popular until the 20th century. In this episode, Pastor Booe takes listeners through the history and meaning of this enduring Christmas carol. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/379

Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

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Lutheran Service Book 379

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 Highest, most holy,

Light of Light eternal,

Born of a virgin, a mortal He comes;

Son of the Father

Now in flesh appearing!

3 Sing, choirs of angels,

Sing in exultation,

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God

In the highest: [Refrain]

4 Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,

Born this happy morning;

Jesus, to Thee be glory giv'n!

Word of the Father

Now in flesh appearing! [Refrain]

Text Information

First Line: O come, all ye faithful

Title: O Come, All Ye Faithful

Author: John F. Wade, c. 1711-86

Translator: Frederick Oakeley, 1802-80 (alt.)

Refrain First Line: O come, let us adore Him

Meter: Irregular meter

Language: English

Publication Date: 2006

Scripture: Luke 2:15

Tune Information

Name: ADESTE FIDELES

Composer: John F. Wade, c. 1711-86

Meter: Irregular meter

Key: G Major

Source: The Hymnal, 1940 (Setting)