O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

[Pastor Bayo Afolaranmi]

Dearly Beloved,

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him’” (Matthew 2:1-2 NIV).

The Christmas season is here again! It was like yesterday that we celebrated the last one last year. Thanks be to God for sparing our lives to witness another season. While some people are indifferent to the season and its cause, many people would have started planning on how to utilize the season to their advantage. Unfortunately, most of these people will still commit the error of leaving the Reason for the season, Jesus Christ, out of the season. The season is to be used to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ by adoring Him in all way we can.

The Magi from the east came to Jerusalem to worship the new born King. The concept of adoration of Jesus Christ the Lord during Christmas season, and even all seasons, might have prompted the writer of one of popular Christmas hymns, “O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL” (Adeste Fideles) who many people believed to be John Francis Wade (c. 1710-1786) to invite people to come and adore the Christ the Lord. Wade summoned all the faithful to come joyfully and triumphantly to behold the King of angels and adore Him. Wade used the hymn to describe who this new born King is: “True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal... Son of the Father, begotten, not created.” As the shepherds and the Magi came to adore the new born King, we also ought to come and adore Him. We should give all glory to Him now and forever. Amen.

Any celebration or activity during this Christmas season that does not give glory to Jesus Christ is not pleasing to God. He wants us to use the season to worship Him. “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).