What happens when you change one word in the title of a classic Christmas hymn? A new perspective and a fresh reason to dive into Scripture. This week’s song, “O Come, All You Unfaithful” by Sovereign Grace Music, invites us to consider the people God included in the Christmas story—and how we are just like them.
This song flips the script on who is invited to come and see what God has done. Instead of calling the faithful to gather in celebration, it beckons the weary, the broken, and the unfaithful—the ones who feel disqualified. That single word change in the title opens the door for us to explore the heart of God revealed in Scripture: a God who draws near to the weak and the waiting, the guilty and the hiding, and offers hope through Christ’s birth.
Key Points
- The opening line of this song—“O come, all you unfaithful”—offers a perspective shift worth exploring.
- The lyrics list characteristics that mirror real people in the Christmas narrative:
- Weak and unstable
- Barren
- Waiting
- Weary of praying
- Bitter and broken
- Fears unspoken
- Guilty
- Hiding
- God included these kinds of people in His redemption story—and He invites us too.
- Hosea’s prophecy reminds us of God’s faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness.
- We are unfaithful until we are redeemed by the Faithful One—Jesus.
Scriptures Referenced
- Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2 (Christmas narrative)
- Luke 1:5–7; 11–20 (Zechariah and Elizabeth)
- Luke 2:8–9; 25; 38 (Shepherds, Simeon, and Anna)
- Matthew 1:18–20; 24 (Joseph’s obedience)
- James 2:5 (God chooses the poor)
- Hosea 2:16–20; 6:3; 6:6–7 (God’s steadfast love and faithfulness)
BITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)
- Read in context—Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2
- Read aloud—alone or with a friend
- Share with a friend—Share Scripture with someone over coffee and Christmas cookies
- Compare and contrast—Compare and contrast God’s faithfulness with the faithlessness of His people in Hosea’s prophecy
- Remember, the people in Scripture were real—just like us
God includes unfaithful, weak, unstable, barren, weary of praying, and waiting ones in bringing His begotten not created Son onto the scene as a baby in a manger.
Enjoy the official YouTube video below.
More Than a Song Playlist
Additional Resources
- Download the free Episode Guide
- Lyrics – New Release Today
- Bible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study – videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study – Learn More
- Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources – Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
This Week’s Challenge
Read Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. I suggest reading the text aloud alone or with a friend. The story is familiar, and this habit will slow you down. Download the Episode Guide for a list of the human characteristics featured in our song, and look for these characteristics in the real people featured in the Christmas narrative. Read the prophecy of Hosea and compare and contrast the faithfulness of God to the unfaithfulness of His people. Then turn back to the Christmas story—come and see what God has done. Christ is born for you.
