During the 13th century, one individual wrote
down the words to what would soon become a beloved
Christmas carol, “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
While it is believed that John Francis Wade is the one responsible for bringing
these lyrics to the Christian church, uncertainty remains as to who is
primarily responsible for the accompanying tune. Still, one thing will always remain crystal
clear: this song is a call for all Christians to adore the King of Kings and
Lord of Lords. Every time I hear this
song, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with a renewed joy due to the
gratefulness in my heart for the love that He has shown to me every day of my
life. That is why I do not see this song
as a Christmas carol, but instead, as an anthem for all Christians
everywhere. We should give praise and
adoration to Jesus Christ 365 days a year.
He is so worthy of our praise. So
I invite you to join me. Come, let us
adore Him!
The year was 1745.
John Francis Wade found himself in the midst of a battle between the
Church of England and the Church of Rome.
During this time, many Catholics were forced to hide their faith from
those around them. Others fled the
country, seeking religious freedom. John
Francis Wade was one of these individuals who chose to leave everything behind
on a desperate quest for freedom to worship the one true and living God. Having found refuge in France, he worked
diligently to preserve documents of the church and to transcribe sacred music
that otherwise may have been lost forever.
God rewarded his persistence by giving him the ability to write many
songs, including the beloved Christmas carol, “Adeste Fideles,” also known as
“O Come All Ye Faithful.”
Just imagine. John
Francis Wade was surrounded by trouble on every side, being persecuted for his faith and eventually having to flee his home country. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, He kept
the faith and stood firm in his walk with God.
He knew that giving God praise and adoration was the key to having a
meaningful and happy life, in spite of what was going on around him. In the third verse of this cherished hymn,
the lyrics state, “O Jesus! Forevermore
be Thy name adored.” He did not write,
at Christmastime be Thy name adored.
Instead, he wrote “Forevermore.” Most
assuredly, John Francis Wade knew that we should adore the name of Jesus
continually, every moment of the day, every day of the year. Despite the many trials and tribulations in
his own life, he remained faithful.
Is there something in your life that is preventing you
from praising the name of Jesus Christ continually?
Are you discouraged, due to a failed marriage, difficult financial circumstances,
or wayward children? Is there something
at work that just doesn’t feel right and causes you to be stressed or even
depressed? Or is there a dark secret deep inside your heart that no one knows about but God? No matter what you are going
through, Jesus Christ cares about you. He loves
you more than you could ever imagine. Don’t let the trials of this life weigh you down. Talk to Jesus and tell Him all of your
worries, cares, and fears. He wants to
help you. He will bear your burdens. You don't have to do it alone. Wherever you are, just lift
your hands and praise Him for the blessings He has given you. Ask Him to give you wisdom to handle all of life's twists and turns. Stand amazed at how God works in your
life when you are in tune with His still, small voice. Listen to Him. Trust Him. Worship Him. Give praise and adoration to the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised! Don’t wait until Christmas or even until Easter. Let us adore Him today! O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer
