Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

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Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Charles Wesley lived in England during the 18th century.  His brother, John Wesley, is considered the founder of Methodism.  Many consider Charles the greatest hymn writer of all time.  He in fact wrote nearly 9,000 different hymns including Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing, and Jesus, Lover of My Soul.  In each hymn, Charles was determined to express the truth of Scripture through rhyme and rhythm.

In 1744, Charles published a small collection of hymns called Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord.  This compilation was so popular it was reprinted more than twenty times.  The hymn, Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, was included in this collection, but did not appear in a full hymnal until 1847.  The message of this short hymn is rich with expectation and heartfelt desire. 

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus sings as a prayer for release and a yearning for God’s sovereign reign.  Fears and sins confront us every day reminding us of our frailty and need for forgiveness.  Throughout the Scriptures God has promised to bless all the families of the earth, and to set us free from the bondage of fear and sin.  So, we sing “Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee.”  Jesus is the “hope of all the earth” and “joy of every longing heart.”  In case you might be looking, hope, joy, and comfort are found in Jesus Christ. 

Jesus came also, “Born as a child, and yet a King.” Jesus came to rule.  The hymn sings of His righteous kingdom and His eternal authority.  He is King of Kings, and amazingly, we are invited into His kingdom!  He came to deliver us, defeating the enemy, and to rule in our hearts alone.  He has done all that is needed for us to be reconciled with Him, “raising us to Thy glorious throne.”  He desires that we enjoy abundant life in His forever kingdom.  He came for us! 

Doesn’t that sound good?  Jesus, came to release us from fear and sin, and to invite us into His forever kingdom.  Oh, come, thou long expected Jesus! 

 

 

Resources:

https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/poets/charles-wesley.html

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-hymn-expresses-longing-for-arrival-of-our-savior

 

 

 


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