Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

As we turn our calendars to December, we turn our attention toward the Christmas season. I appreciate seasons. Life would be monotonous were it not for the beautiful rhythms of change. As we enter the Advent season, I embrace the opportunity to wait, contemplate, and rejoice in the gracious gift given to all mankind, the Word made flesh, Jesus.

Charles Wesley published Hymns for the Nativity of our Lord, a collection or 18 hymns, in 1744.  Although this collection was reprinted 20 times before Wesley died in 1788, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” is the only one to survive into popular usage throughout the years. This hymn has a timeless quality.

A Common Longing

All mankind longs for freedom, for release from fears and sin. Jesus is the only One who can set us free through His all-sufficient merit as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Jesus conquered sin and the grave

A Universal Satisfaction

Jesus is able to meet the needs of all mankind. This hymn describes Jesus as “hope of all the earth” and “dear desire of every nation.” There is no culture, no personality, no generation beyond His reach. Jesus is the one and only gift given to all. Jesus is the only One who can bring us back to God the Father.

For All Seasons

In all seasons, not just during Advent, in response to our longing Jesus replies: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” [Matthew 11:28-29]

Accept Jesus’ gracious invitation and find your rest in Him. Jesus is, indeed, the joy of every longing heart. Let Him rule in your heart alone, reigning in your life forever. Let Him be both your strength and consolation.

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.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation,
joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver,
born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all sufficient merit,
raise us to thy glorious throne.

Copyright: Public domain

Jen Vogel

Jen served as national director for Alliance Women from 2015-2023; she serves in a variety of ministry capacities, including on the President's Cabinet for The Alliance. She enjoys reading, travel, and completing the New York Times crossword puzzle daily. Jen and her husband, Doug, attend Dover Avenue Alliance Church in Orange City, Iowa.

12 Responses to “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

  1. My husband was called home very unexpectedly April this year!
    Your writings bring comfort to me!
    Thank you so much for your open spirit to our Father God to write as you do!

    • Thank you for your kind words, MaryAnn. May you continue to experience God’s Peace and Presence in this chapter of your life story.

  2. Thank you for your faithful service,also for this reminder of the Advent Season.Blessing for your family.✨

  3. Jen, I praise God for the time you sacrifice to study, contemplate, listen to the Spirit, and then write, to challenge and encourage all of us.

    • Thank you, Barb, for your encouraging words. It is a distinct privilege to journey together with you, my sweet sister in Christ.

    • I agree, Karen! He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. – Revelation 22:20 NIV

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