This Christmas season, we gather to sing carols that reflect the beauty of God's story, focusing today on the classic carol "O Come All Ye Faithful."
"O Come All Ye Faithful" was originally written in Latin as "Adeste Fideles" by John Francis Wade, an 18th-century hymnist. Although its origins are debated, with some tracing it back to Portuguese or even earlier church songs, Wade's version is the most recognized. The song has been translated into various languages, with the English version by Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley being the most commonly sung today.
This carol connects us to the Christmas story found in the Gospel of Luke. Luke 2:15 recounts the shepherds' journey to Bethlehem to see the newborn King, a journey echoed in the carol's lyrics.
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” O Come All Ye Faithful also references choirs of angels singing "Glory to God in the highest," mirroring the angelic proclamation in Luke's gospel. The carol calls us to come to Bethlehem, joyful and triumphant. However, many of us feel anything but faithful, joyful, or triumphant during the Christmas season. We may feel defeated, depressed, or doubtful. Yet, Jesus calls us to come to Him, especially when we are weary and burdened.
Jesus calls the weary and burdened. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).
Jesus calls the sinners to repentance and offers forgiveness, making us new creations in Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17).
And when we come to Jesus, He helps us become a new creation. Jesus helps us become more faithful. Our faith and faithfulness come from Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. "look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…" (Hebrews 12:2) Faith comes from hearing the Word of Christ. "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." (Romans 10:17) Reading and studying the Bible builds our faith.
Jesus helps us to become more joyful. We see in Scripture that Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. That means that joy is a byproduct of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Apart from the Holy Spirit in our lives we can not experience true joy. We can experience fake joy.
If you look up the word joy in the dictionary, the definition is: a feeling of great pleasure or happiness that comes from success, good fortune, or a sense of well-being. But this isn’t joy, it’s really happiness. In fact the definition in the dictionary for happiness is: a state of well-being and contentment or joy. So to the world joy is happiness and happiness is joy. But this word for happiness means something completely different.
It’s the Greek word χαρά (khar-ah’) which describes a deep, abiding sense of joy and gladness that is rooted in spiritual realities rather than external circumstances. It is often associated with the presence of the Holy Spirit and the believer's relationship with God. This joy is characterized by a sense of inner peace and contentment that transcends worldly troubles. The Holy Spirit produces this joy in our lives, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Jesus helps us become more triumphant. Feeling triumphant often requires the support of others. Knowing that the living God has our back can make us feel victorious. Isaiah 9:6-7 describes Jesus as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This prophecy about Jesus, the King of Kings, reminds us of His triumphant nature.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.
Something To Think About
This Christmas season, Jesus invites us to come to Him, no matter how we feel. Whether we are weary, burdened, or struggling with sin, Jesus bids us to come and worship Him. As we press into His Word and build our relationship with Him, He helps us become more faithful, joyful, and triumphant.
Questions For Self-Reflection
1. What burdens are you carrying this Christmas season that you need to bring to Jesus?
2. How can you make time to read and study God's Word to build your faith?
3. In what ways can you seek the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit rather than relying on external circumstances?
4. How can you remind yourself of God's triumphant nature and His support in your life?
Challenge yourself this week to come to Jesus with your burdens, immerse yourself in His Word, and seek the joy and triumph that only He can provide. Watch the full message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLYpHAWzzxA&t=2s
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