Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Inspiration MinistriesBy Inspiration Ministries2 Minutes

Year after year, they waited. They waited through the rule of countless kings, and times when foreign armies fought over their land. They waited as their temple was destroyed, and then rebuilt. They waited during years of exile, and return. Over time, many stopped believing. Others gave up hope. But some held on to prophecies and the promise that a Messiah would come.

Then, He came into the world! But Jesus was born at a time, and in a way, that surprised many. He brought hope for everyone! As Isaiah had prophesied, “In Him shall the Gentiles hope” (Romans 15:12).

Overwhelmed by how God’s promises were fulfilled, in 1745, Charles Wesley wrote “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” a hymn celebrating the prophetic aspects of His birth.

Born on this day in 1757, Wesley described how Jesus was “born to deliver His people.” Although born in humble circumstances, He still was a King, “born to reign in us forever.” But Wesley also focused on the impact Jesus makes in lives. He prayed that by the Holy Spirit, He would “rule in all our hearts alone.”

Wesley wrote that Jesus was “born to set Thy people free.” These words may have been inspired by the years he spent in America, where he was troubled by slavery, and particularly, enslaved children. He was so shaken, it is said that he nearly had a nervous breakdown.

But Wesley knew that Jesus could bring complete freedom, delivering us from all fears and sins. That everyone could “find our rest in Thee.”

People may look for political or economic solutions to the world’s problems. But Wesley knew that Jesus is the “hope of the earth.” He is the “desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.”

Now, you can celebrate! The long-expected Messiah has come! Place your hope in Him.