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O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
O Come, All Ye Faithful, verse 1
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold him born the king of angels.
I was a faithful Orioles fan for one season. I went to the games, knew all the players, checked scores daily and trash-talked Yankee fans. I was devoted. Toward the end of the season it looked like they were moving toward an American League Championship and I was there for it, until they lost. It was like someone ripped my heart out and danced on its pathetic form.
Faithfulness does that. We entrust something or someone with our hopes and fears. This is where our first verse brings us. The author calls the faithful to rejoice in victory, to revel in triumph, because a king has been born. He is a king whose power is over the physical and metaphysical physical realms. The faithful can breathe a sigh of relief because of the peace that comes through victory. But there is a next step. It’s not enough to feel the relief but to be called to approach the unlikely place where this thing has happened and worship the king.
Bethlehem was the last place on earth where events like this should take place. This piece of the Christmas story is incredible for those who doubt what God can do and where God will move. The king of angels is born in an unlikely place. Even the faithful can doubt God can move in an unlikely place. Doubting does not take away the status as “faithful,” but the faithful can have their doubts removed because they stay. The faithful trust in God in the midst of their doubts and are rewarded with peace that surpasses understanding.
Scripture Reference
Action Step
Where do you have the greatest doubts? What can you do to reinforce your faith in the midst of your doubt?
Accompanying Playlist
All hymns referenced throughout the series found in one spot. Some versions are traditional. Others…not so much. Enjoy!
Living Simply With God 