Luther Vandross - O Come All Ye Faithful Lyrics
Lyrics
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;
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O Come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God
All glory in the highest
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O Come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.
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
O come, let us adore him,
O Come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord
Christ the Lord
Christ the Lord
Yeah...
O come, O come and love him, come together adore him
Video
O' Come All Ye Faithful
Meaning & Inspiration
Luther Vandross's rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful," released on October 27, 2015, presents a profound and stirring interpretation of one of Christianity's most cherished hymns. This posthumous release allows Vandross's iconic voice to breathe new life into an ancient call to worship, showcasing his unparalleled ability to convey deep spiritual emotion and reverence. The very existence of this recording is a testament to the enduring power of his artistry, offering a timeless message of faith and adoration through his unique vocal genius.
The narrative woven through "O Come All Ye Faithful" is a fundamental cornerstone of Christian belief: the birth of Jesus Christ, God incarnate. The hymn, traditionally attributed to John Francis Wade, is a joyful summons, an earnest invitation to witness and celebrate the pivotal event in human history. It beckons every believer, every soul yearning for truth, to "come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem." This echoing call finds its parallel in Scripture, much like the angel's proclamation to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-12, urging them to find "a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." The imagery of coming "joyful and triumphant" speaks not of earthly victory, but of the spiritual triumph found in beholding the divine, a humility and wonder akin to the Wise Men's journey in Matthew 2:1-2 to worship the newborn King.
The heart of the song's message lies in its repeated plea: "O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord." Adoration is not merely admiration; it is a profound reverence and worship of the highest order, a recognition of divine sovereignty and boundless love. John 1:14 describes the "Word made flesh," dwelling among us, full of grace and truth—this is the Christ whom we are called to adore. Philippians 2:9-11 further emphasizes this, stating that God exalted Jesus, granting Him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Vandross's delivery imbues this invitation with immense gravitas and tenderness, transforming a familiar chorus into a personal spiritual directive, encouraging a deep, internal response from the listener's soul.
The hymn then expands its scope, inviting all of creation to participate in this grand celebration: "Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God All glory in the highest." This powerful imagery connects directly to the heavenly chorus described in Luke 2:13-14, where a multitude of the heavenly host praises God, saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." It broadens the worship experience beyond human earthly bounds, suggesting a universal recognition of Christ's majesty. Revelation 5:11-13 paints a similar picture of innumerable angels and every creature in heaven and on earth declaring worthiness to the Lamb, underscoring the cosmic significance of Christ's birth and His ultimate reign. Vandross's vocal styling, even without instrumental adornments, manages to suggest this grandeur, hinting at the vastness of the angelic host through his vocal layering and sustained power.
The song culminates with an emphatic reassertion of adoration and love, transforming the communal invitation into an intimate, personal commitment: "O come, O come and love him, come together adore him." This final line deepens the call, moving beyond mere observance to active participation in loving God. It resonates with 1 John 4:19, which reminds us, "We love because He first loved us." The collective invitation to "come together adore him" fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose in faith, echoing the greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37-39 to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This rendition by Luther Vandross, then, is more than a seasonal carol; it is an enduring spiritual exhortation, a powerful reminder of the central truth of Christmas, and a compelling summons to a life of worship and love directed towards Christ the Lord. It serves as a beautiful encouragement, drawing souls closer to the profound mystery and joy of the Incarnation, making the ancient call feel fresh, urgent, and deeply personal.