O Come All Ye Faithful
John David Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, come ye
O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold him
Born the King of angels
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
Christ the Lord

Sing, choirs of angels
Sing in exultation
Sing, all ye citizens
Of heaven above
Glory to God
In the highest

O come
Let us adore him
Christ the Lord

See how the shepherds
Summoned to his cradle
Leaving their flocks
Draw nigh with lowly fear
We too will thither bend
Our joyful footsteps
O come, let us adore him
Christ the Lord

Yea, Lord, we greet thee
Born this happy morning
Jesus
To thee be glory given
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
O come

Let us adore him
Christ the Lord

Overall Meaning

The song O Come All Ye Faithful was originally written in Latin as Adeste Fideles, which means "come, faithful ones." The song was written in the 17th or 18th century and has since become a popular Christmas carol all around the world. The lyrics are an invitation to come to Bethlehem and behold the newborn king of angels, Jesus Christ.

The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. "O come ye to Bethlehem" is an invitation for all to come and see the birthplace of Jesus. "Born the King of angels" is a reference to the prophesied messiah who was born as a humble child in a manger. The next line, "O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord," is a call to worship the newborn king.

The second verse describes the nature of Jesus - he is the "God of God" and "Light of light." He was not created, but was "begotten," a reference to the belief in the Trinity. The song stresses the divinity of Jesus Christ despite his humble beginnings, and how he was not only a man, but also God.

The last verse is a declaration of adoration and glory to God. The song reminds us that Jesus was born to save us, and we should celebrate his birth with joy and reverence. The chorus repeats the call to worship, as a reminder that Jesus Christ is the Lord who deserves our worship.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, come ye
We invite you all

O come ye to Bethlehem
To a town called Bethlehem

Come and behold him
Witness him with your own eyes

Born the King of angels
The king who's born for angels

O come, let us adore him
Let's worship him

Christ the Lord
Who is known as Christ, the Lord

God of God
The God who is above all gods

Light of light
The light that shines brighter than any other light

Lo, he abhors
He is not disgusted by

Not the virgin's womb
The virgin's womb, from which he is born

Very God
He is God himself