Sometimes, old hymns say all that needs to be said. Come, all ye faithful, be joyful and triumphant! What else would you said when something glorious happens that you have long awaited?
Because, if you've travelled that Christian journey (or even on a plain old life journey) for awhile, you know that sometimes it is really hard to be joyful and triumphant. There are too many things that can get you (me) down. whoever wrote these words knew that the message of a newborn king who would change things was given in the midst of sorrow and heartache. And maybe he/she also knew that a pep talk was needed in order to stir the hearts of those that would hear the words. Come on, get excited, the one we've waited for is here! Come out of mourning and weeping! Rejoice! Remember to rejoice! At least, that is how I see the song: people needed to be reminded to be joyful. And there is a need to adore, because it is easy in the midst of life to forget our purpose in this life. The westminister catechism puts it so nicely when it answers the question, " what is the chief end of man? To know god and enjoy him fully." to know, to enjoy is to adore and I like the thought that we need to come and adore Jesus, triumphantly and joyfully. I think by not drinking coffee, I've come to see some ways I can adore something (inanimate object though it is). How much better is it to adore someone! And that someone who will fulfill some vey great and numerous promises!
Another thought i have is that O, Come all ye Faithful is a happy song. a happy song that is to be sung in a victorious manner.
And victory implies hardship and loss- two cruxes of the human experience. Another reminder to not lose hope and that we should anxiously await a new day where all will be put to right. Come Lord Jesus fill our hearts with joy!
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:
Chorus:
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:
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above!
Glory to God
In the highest:
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given!
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing!
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