Advent December 5, 2006
Read Luke 2:15, 20
"Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” --Luke 2:15b
Like footprints, much of the information about "O Come, All Ye Faithful" comes in pairs. This hymn was first written in Latin and was known by its Latin name, Adeste Fidele, which means "be present or near, ye faithful," or "O Come, All Ye Faithful."
John Francis Wade is believed to be the person who wrote or found the words and the music to this much-loved hymn. He made his living by hand copying music for churches, since that was before the days of computer printers or duplicating machines. Although many church hymnals list the composer of this hymn as "Anonymous"--meaning that no one knows who wrote it--researchers feel confident that John Wade was the first person to share Adeste Fideles with other Christians in France. Many years later, Frederick Oakeley, impressed with the Latin words, decided to translate their meaning into English for his Anglican congregation to sing. The first translation he made began "Ye faithful, approach ye." Later, Oakeley studied the Latin more carefully and improved his translation to the words we sing today.
Not only were two men responsible for bringing the world this great hymn in two languages, but in the church today the "Portuguese Hymn" provides the music for two great church songs: "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and "How Firm a Foundation."
"O Come, All Ye Faithful" challenges Christians to come to Bethlehem; but it also gives us further instructions: we are to adore the Christ who was born there. To be faithful, we must do both. Our footprints symbolize our coming to stand before the Christ, but we come for a purpose--to offer our devotion and love to the King.
In Advent, as we wait to celebrate the Christ Child's birth, we must make sure our footsteps are leading us toward the manger, toward Bethlehem, toward the One whom we adore.
Prayer: King of Angels, guide our footsteps to the manger of Bethlehem and help us faithfully respond to the invitation to adore Christ, the Lord. Amen.
http://us.f810.mail.yahoo.com/ym/ShowLetter?MsgId=4525_17877027_861_1596_4531_0_45869_13865_2854051965&Idx=0&YY=22302&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&inc=25&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&box=Advent
"Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” --Luke 2:15b
Like footprints, much of the information about "O Come, All Ye Faithful" comes in pairs. This hymn was first written in Latin and was known by its Latin name, Adeste Fidele, which means "be present or near, ye faithful," or "O Come, All Ye Faithful."
John Francis Wade is believed to be the person who wrote or found the words and the music to this much-loved hymn. He made his living by hand copying music for churches, since that was before the days of computer printers or duplicating machines. Although many church hymnals list the composer of this hymn as "Anonymous"--meaning that no one knows who wrote it--researchers feel confident that John Wade was the first person to share Adeste Fideles with other Christians in France. Many years later, Frederick Oakeley, impressed with the Latin words, decided to translate their meaning into English for his Anglican congregation to sing. The first translation he made began "Ye faithful, approach ye." Later, Oakeley studied the Latin more carefully and improved his translation to the words we sing today.
Not only were two men responsible for bringing the world this great hymn in two languages, but in the church today the "Portuguese Hymn" provides the music for two great church songs: "O Come, All Ye Faithful" and "How Firm a Foundation."
"O Come, All Ye Faithful" challenges Christians to come to Bethlehem; but it also gives us further instructions: we are to adore the Christ who was born there. To be faithful, we must do both. Our footprints symbolize our coming to stand before the Christ, but we come for a purpose--to offer our devotion and love to the King.
In Advent, as we wait to celebrate the Christ Child's birth, we must make sure our footsteps are leading us toward the manger, toward Bethlehem, toward the One whom we adore.
Prayer: King of Angels, guide our footsteps to the manger of Bethlehem and help us faithfully respond to the invitation to adore Christ, the Lord. Amen.
http://us.f810.mail.yahoo.com/ym/ShowLetter?MsgId=4525_17877027_861_1596_4531_0_45869_13865_2854051965&Idx=0&YY=22302&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&inc=25&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&box=Advent
posted by Pete Houpt @ 3:02 PM
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