O Come, All Ye Faithful

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that happened which the Lord has made known to us.” Luke 2:15 

This hymn is one of the universal favorite Christmas songs. It was used in Catholic churches before it became known to Protestants. Today it is sung by church groups around the world and has been translated from its original Latin into more than 100 other languages. The vivid imagery of the carol seems to have meaning and appeal for all ages in every culture. 

The original Latin text consisted of four stanzas. The first stanza calls us to visualize anew the infant Jesus in Bethlehem’s stable. The second stanza is usually omitted in most hymnals, but it reminds us that the Christ-child is very God Himself:

God of God and Light of Light begotten, Lo, He abhors not the Virgins womb; Very God, begotten, not created --- O come, let us adore Him.

The third stanza pictures for us the exalted song of the angelic choir heard by the lowly shepherds.  The fourth stanza offers praise and adoration to the Word, our Lord, who was with the Father from the beginning of time. 

For many years this hymn was known as an anonymous Latin hymn. Recent research, however, has revealed manuscripts that indicate it was written in 1744 by an English layman named John Wade and set to music by him in much the same style as used today. The hymn first appeared in his collection Cantus Diversi, published in England in 1751. One hundred years later the carol was translated into its present English form by an Anglican minister, Rrederick Oakely, who desired to use it for his congregation.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?  For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” --- Matthew 2:1-2

As we celebrate this Christmas I pray that God will help us make this Christmas season the most spiritual one yet.  May we worship Him --- Christ, the Lord!

Songs of Christmas

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was filled with sorrow at the tragic death of his wife in a fire in 1861.  The Civil War broke out that same year, and it seemed this was an additional punishment.  Two years later, Longfellow was again saddened to  hear that his own son had been killed on Christmas Day.

He stood in his doorway contemplating what life was all about after receiving the telegram.  Why had such sorrow had come to him especially on the birth date of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Then he heard the church bells, they spoke to him as he stood and listened.  Later that day he wrote these words.

       I heard the bells on Christmas Day
       Their old familiar carols play
       And wild and sweet the words repeat
       Of peace on earth, good will to men.

       And in despair I bowed my head
       There is no peace on earth I said
       For hate is strong and mocks the song
       Of peace on earth, good will to men.

       Then pealed the bells more loud an deep,
       God is not dead, nor doth he sleep.
       The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
       With peace on earth, good will to men.

At this Christmas time whether you are in sorrow or in joy you can know that God is not dead, nor does he sleep.  He knows your every need and longs to comfort you and be that special friend you need.  Seek Him.  He will give life real meaning and your heart real peace.  The peace that passes all understanding. 

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Luke 2:13-14

Oliver Wendell Holmes put it this way ---- What’s important is not necessarily  where you are, but in what direction you are going.