The popular Christmas carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful” traces its history back several centuries. While the lyrics to the song have been attributed to various authors, the text is most often credited to an 18th century English hymnist named John Francis Wade. While Wade may or may not deserve such credit, the earliest known written versions of the hymn, sometimes referred to as “Adeste Fideles,” each include his signature.
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
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! God of God, Light of Light; Lo, he abhors not the virgin’s womb; very God, begotten not created; 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 heav’n 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! Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning: Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n; Word of the Father, late in flesh appearing. O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! Lyrics attributed to John Francis Wade Lyrics courtesy of www.hymnary.org.
