Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Year after year, they waited. They waited through the rule of countless kings…while foreign armies fought over their land…when their temple was destroyed and then rebuilt…and during years of exile and return. Over time, many stopped believing or gave up hope. But some held on to the prophecies 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 (Isaiah 42:1-4): “In His name the Gentiles will hope” (Matthew 12:21).

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

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.” Wesley also focused on the impact Jesus makes in people’s lives. He prayed that by the Holy Spirit, Jesus would “rule in all our hearts alone.”

Wesley also wrote that He was “born to set Thy people free.” These words may have been inspired by the years he spent in America. He was troubled by the slavery he witnessed there, and particularly by the enslaved children. He was so shaken that it’s said he nearly had a nervous breakdown. But Wesley knew that Jesus could bring complete freedom! He could free us from fears and sins. Everyone could “find our rest in Thee.”

Although people may look for political or economic solutions to the world’s problems, 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.