“O come let us adore Him” is repeated over and over in this famous Christmas song, and while I worked on this recording over a number of weeks this fall, I was struck by the powerful invitation offered to all of us.
Jesus, the Messiah– the savior we all so desperately need IS born, IS come. And I can’t say that I’ve always understood how much I’ve needed saving, or what and who I’ve needed saving from. But, my experiences over the past decade have given me new insight into the different ways that I’ve been constrained and dehumanized by giving my time, money, and allegiance to ‘gods’ that I didn’t even recognize or acknowledge. The invitation to once again come and offer the whole of my life to God, through the coming of Jesus, has been such good and encouraging news– and it has kept me inspired over the entire time I’ve played and sung and mixed.
It’s not a new thing, but currently too many in this country continue trying to claim Jesus for themselves while they stand for racism, sexism, cruelty, violence, authoritarianism and a so-called ‘prosperity gospel.’ I don’t see any of that in the New Testament writings about Jesus, and for me, this song is not endorsing any of that message.
I am also very clear that the United States has never been, and never will be a ‘christian nation.’ The idea that kingdoms or countries represent the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ that Jesus spoke about in the gospels has been proven to be an incredibly deadly, dangerous and destructive fool's errand over and over throughout history. No, conversely, this song is offering us all a chance to come humbly and bow before Jesus with our hearts, resources and lives, not dominate or destroy the things that we fear or dislike or don’t agree with.
Musically, I’ve tried to bring elements from folk and world music, as well as the familiar western Christian hymn traditions. Loreena McKennitt’s music and arrangements have inspired me for years, and the chance to play more hurdy-gurdy, which I first became aware of through her music, has been a real treat. I also enjoyed the challenge of moving the verses through different feels and textures with different lead instruments and background vocals playing off one another as the song unfolds.
Denise crafted another beautiful cover, highlighting Heaven joining Earth. I am deeply encouraged and inspired by the care and meaning I see in this art, and experience with her in our every-day life.
We both hope that this version of this old song is an invitation– one that you can sing along with in your car, in the shower, around your Christmas tree, on long walks, or wherever you find yourself in the Christmas season. Blessings on you, and thank you for listening.
lyrics
Traditional Words and Music
Originally attributed to John Francis Wade 1751
O come all Ye faithful, joyful and triumphant
O come Ye, O come ye to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him, born the King of Heaven and Earth
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation
Sing all ye citizens of Heav’n come to earth
Glory to God, glory in the highest
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Ye, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning
Jesus to Thee be all glory given
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ
Come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
The Messiah the Lord
The Messiah the Lord
credits
released November 28, 2022
Created, Mixed and Mastered at the Second Story, Durham, NC
by Wade Baynham
Old-fashioned fiddles harmonize with rippling synths on the Scottish singer-songwriter's latest collection of original folk songs. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 30, 2022
A collection of twinkling bedroom folk-pop demos from Fahim Rahman that arcs from hushed intimacy to sweeping cinematic emotionality. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 6, 2021
The experimental spirit permeating this collection of Japanese acid folk foreshadowed the arrivals of city pop, the psych revival, and folktronica. Bandcamp Album of the Day Jan 25, 2024
Celtic-inspired instrumentation, delicate harmonies, and reflective lyrics abound on the sisterly indie-folk duo's debut album. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 26, 2023
Introspective pop songs with transcendent melodies offer a joyful meditation on staying present in a world that often moves too fast. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 16, 2023
Beautifully played and full of moving vocal performances, the Bay Area singer/songwriter's latest is a stellar work of art. Bandcamp Album of the Day Feb 3, 2023
