The tune name, “Adeste Fideles,” is taken from the first words of the original Latin text, and translated literally means “be present or near, ye faithful.” (1) One hundred years later the carol was translated into its present English form by an Anglican minister, Frederick Oakeley, who desired to use it for his congregation. The hymn first appeared in his collection, Cantus Diversi, published in England in 1751. Recent research, however, has revealed manuscripts that indicate that it was written in 1744 by an English layman named John Wade and set to music by him in much the same style as used today. Then the final verse offers praise and adoration to the Word, our Lord, who was with the Father from the beginning of time.įor many years this hymn was known as an anonymous Latin hymn.
The next stanza pictures for us the exalted song of the angelic choir heard by the lowly shepherds. God of God and Light of Light begotten, Lo, He abhors not the Virgin’s womb Very God, begotten, not created-O come, let us adore Him. The second stanza is usually omitted in most hymnals, but it reminds us that the Christ-child is very God Himself: The first calls us to visualize anew the infant Jesus in Bethlehem’s stable. The original Latin text consisted of four stanzas. The vivid imagery of the carol seems to have meaning and appeal for all ages in every culture.
Today it is sung by church groups around the world since it has been translated from its original Latin into more than 100 other languages. It was used in Catholic churches before it became known to Protestants. The songs of the Christmas season comprise some of the finest music known to man, and this hymn is certainly one of our universal favorites.
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