This story from “Then Sings My Soul: Special Edition” by
Robert J. Morgan. Scripture verse and commentary provided by Carol.
“John Francis Wade, author of this hymn, was hounded out of England in 1745. He was a Roman Catholic layman in Lancashire; but because of persecution arising from the Jacobite rebellion, streams of Catholics fled to France and Portugal, where communities of English-speaking Catholics appeared.
“But how could he, a refugee, support himself? In those
days, the printing of musical scores was cumbersome, and copying them by hand
was an art. In the famous Roman Catholic College and Ministry Center in Douay,
France, Wade taught music and became renowned as a copyist of musical scores.
His work was exquisite.
“In 1743, Wade, thirty-two, produced a copy of a Latin
Christmas carol beginning with the phrase 'Adeste Fidelis, Laeti triumphantes.' At one time historians believed he had simply discovered an ancient hymn by an
unknown author, but most scholars now believe Wade himself composed the lyrics.
Seven original hand-copied manuscripts of this Latin hymn have been found, all
of them bearing Wade’s signature.
“As timed passed, English Catholics began returning to
Britain, and they carried Wade’s Christmas carol with them. One day an Anglican
minister named Rev. Frederick Oakeley, who preached at Margaret Street Chapel
in London, came across Wade’s Latin Christmas carol. Being deeply moved, he
translated it into English for Margaret Street Chapel. The first line of
Oakeley’s translation said, ‘Ye Faithful, Approach Ye.’
“Later, Oakeley came up with a simpler, more vigorous, ‘O
Come, All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant!’’’
Enduringword.com: Remembering the great works of God did not only cause David to praise, but also caused him to compel others to praise Him. It was fitting, because they also were saints of His, His special people . . . “He felt that he could not praise God enough himself, and therefore he would enlist the hearts of others.” (Spurgeon)
Godsbless.ing: The act of praising and acknowledging God’s holiness can serve as a beacon of tranquility and perspective. Gratitude and worship possess the transformative power to reshape our outlook, redirecting our focus from the mundane and negative towards the divine and positive.
Biblehub.com, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary: As light was the beginning of the first creation; so, in the new creation, the light of the Spirit is His first work upon the soul.
Godsbless.ing: The light of the gospel can serve as a
guiding beacon, leading you towards a fulfilling and meaningful existence. It
has the power to penetrate even the most hardened hearts, softening them with
its message of grace and redemption. Allowing the light of the gospel to shine
in your heart may lead you to experience a profound sense of peace, joy, and
purpose that transcends earthly concerns. Embrace the light of the gospel, let
it brighten your inner world, and watch as it transforms you from the inside
out.
Studylight.org, Gill’s Exposition of the Whole Bible: God is light itself, the Father of lights, and the former of it in every sense; in the light of His countenance, and the discoveries of His love, they that trust in Him see light, or enjoy comfort; and in the light of His Son, Jesus Christ, the sun of righteousness and light of the world, they see the face of God, and enjoy His favor, and behold the glory and excellency of Christ Himself.
Biblehub.com, Matthew Poole’s Commentary: Angels, which, though glorious creatures, are but His ministers and messengers, as the word signifies. And inviting the angels to bless God, He quickens men to the same duty, as having more dependence upon God, and, obligation to Him.
Enduringword.com: David began the psalm by telling his own soul to bless the Lord, but he knew the praise and honor to God should go beyond what he could give. It should extend all the way to the angels, and David boldly told them to also bless the Lord, who excel in strength, who do His word: The angels are strong and obedient, but even they should bless the Lord, giving Him praise and honor.
Contending for the Faith: Christians belong to a heavenly commonwealth whose government is in heaven. As citizens of the heavenly kingdom, their lives are to reflect an adherence to the authority and power manifested in the Divine Word.
Godsbless.ing: This verse from Philippians reminds us as
believers that our true citizenship is in heaven, not on this earth. It calls
us to remember that our primary identity and allegiance belong to God’s
kingdom, which is eternal and perfect. Recognizing our heavenly citizenship
encourages us to live our lives with an eternal perspective, focusing on the
values and principles of God’s Kingdom rather than those of the world. We
eagerly await our Savior from heaven, reminding us of the hope and anticipation
we have in Jesus Christ’s return. This hope should motivate us to live
faithfully and obediently, knowing that one day we will be united with our
Savior for eternity. It prompts us to constantly seek Him, to grow in our
relationship with Him, and to share His love and message with others.
Godsbless.ing: As they searched for a place to stay, they found that the inns were all full. With no other options, they sought refuge in a humble stable. It was in this lowly setting that Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The surroundings were simple and rustic, with the sounds of animals and the soft glow of a manger illuminating the space where the newborn baby lay. This significant event marked the fulfillment of prophecies and the beginning of a new era for humanity.
Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: This prayer was especially appropriate at the close of a psalm designed to celebrate the glorious reign of the Messiah. Under that reign the earth will be, in fact, filled with the glory of God; the world will be a world of glory. Assuredly all who love God, and who love mankind, all who desire that God may be honored, and that the world may be blessed and happy, will unite in this fervent prayer, and echo the hearty “Amen and amen” of the psalmist.
Godsbless.ing: Oh, what a powerful and awe-inspiring scripture this is! 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 beautifully captures the essence of God’s majesty and omnipotence. As teachers on a journey of faith and understanding, let’s delve into the profound meaning behind these verses. These verses remind us of God’s unrivaled greatness and power as the ultimate Ruler of the universe. It emphasizes that everything in heaven and on earth belongs to Him, showcasing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. It highlights God’s generosity and benevolence towards us, demonstrating His gracious nature and boundless love . . . Let these verses serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering presence and provision in our lives, igniting a sense of reverence and awe for our Creator.
