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
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing
True God of true God, Light from Light eternal
Humbly, He enters the virgin's womb
Son of the Father, begotten, not created
O Come, All You Unfaithful • Official Video
Come All Ye Faithful Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Come All Ye Faithful, as presented through the work of Sovereign Grace Music, opens with a clear and compelling invitation. It calls to those who identify as faithful, joyful, and triumphant to embark on a journey, not physical, but spiritual, urging them to come to Bethlehem. This initial summons establishes the context of the Nativity story, setting the scene at the birthplace of Jesus. The purpose of this arrival is singular and paramount: to behold the newborn child. He is immediately identified with celestial authority, being called the "King of angels," a descriptor that elevates the significance of this birth beyond a mere earthly event and points to His heavenly origin and sovereign rule.
Central to the song's message, and powerfully conveyed through its structure, is the repeated, urgent refrain: "O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord." This is more than just a passive suggestion; it is an active call to corporate worship. It encapsulates the song's fundamental purpose – to lead listeners into a posture of profound reverence and humble submission before the newborn King. The repetition emphasizes the importance of this response, making it the undeniable heart of the carol and articulating the essential Christian reaction to the incarnation: adoration of Christ as Lord.
The verses following the initial invitation and the central call to worship delve deeper into the identity and significance of the One being adored. The lyrics offer a greeting to Jesus, born on that auspicious morning, and declare that all glory is rightly given to Him. A profound theological truth is articulated in identifying Him as the "Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing." This phrase directly echoes the foundational Christian doctrine of the Incarnation, referencing the divine Word of God who took on human form, connecting the baby in the manger to the eternal Godhead and the profound mystery of God becoming man (John 1:14).
Further unpacking Christ's divine nature, the carol uses rich, creedal language to describe Him as "True God of true God, Light from Light eternal." This language reflects historical Christian confessions of faith, affirming the full deity of Jesus and His eternal relationship with the Father. The contrast is then drawn between this divine glory and the humility of His birth, noting His entry into the "virgin's womb," a reference to the miraculous conception. The declaration "Son of the Father, begotten, not created" is a crucial theological statement, asserting Christ's unique, eternal relationship as Son, distinct from all creation, underscoring His co-essential nature with the Father.
In presenting Come All Ye Faithful, Sovereign Grace Music continues the tradition of this beloved carol, inviting a contemporary audience into its timeless message of worship and theological depth. The song masterfully moves from a simple call to come and see, to a passionate plea for adoration, culminating in a profound theological meditation on the true identity of Christ – fully God, fully man, the eternal Son born in time. It serves as a powerful reminder of the wonders of the Incarnation and draws the listener to join the chorus of the faithful throughout history in offering worship and glory to Christ the Lord, the central figure of the Christmas narrative. This journey through the lyrics inspires a deeper understanding and a more fervent response of adoration towards the Savior.
