Songs of faith: Come, Thou long expected Jesus

I wonder what your view is on Christmas carols…this one is a lesser known gem written by the great hymn writer Charles Wesley. Interestingly he begins the hymn with a prayer for the return of Christ. At Christmas as much as any other time of the year we should rejoice in the certain hope that Christ will return. In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Paul encourages the church at Thessalonica to continue to ‘build each other up’ in the hope of Christ’s return. Wesley’s hymn reminds us that Christ was born as a child in the full vulnerability of man. A child born to bridge the gap between man and God so that we could be united fully with Him in the glorious kingdom of God. Let’s celebrate that!!

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.

Check out https://www.noisetrade.com/ryanlong# for a great contemporary version!!