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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 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.
In 1743, Charles Wesley, along with his brother John Wesley, the co-founder of Methodism, preached the gospel message across Britain. Witnessing the social struggles of his time, particularly the plight of orphans and the poor, Wesley penned the words of the hymn “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.”
The hymn reflects the dual Advent themes of Christ’s first and second comings. The hymn is based on Haggai 2:7, which reads, “And I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendour, says the Lord of hosts.” The lyrics emphasize Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the “hope of all the earth,” and the “desire of every nation.”
The hymn also speaks of the personal rest and salvation that Christ brings, echoing Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Wesley’s hymn serves as both a prayer and a proclamation. It calls believers to prepare their hearts for Christ’s reign. It reminds us that Jesus came to "set thy people free" (Isaiah 61:1) and to "rule in all our hearts alone," highlighting His role as both Redeemer and King.
The hymn became known throughout England across Christian denominations by the popular Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon. In 1855, at age 21, Spurgeon used it in a London Christmas sermon illustrating how Jesus was the only one “born a king” without first being a prince.
As we sing this hymn during Advent, we are invited to reflect on the hope and freedom Christ offers and to prepare for His coming with expectant hearts.
Sources:
- History of Hymns: Hymn expresses longing for arrival of our Savior,” Discipleship Ministries (https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-hymn-expresses-longing-for-arrival-of-our-savior).
- “The Story Behind: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” hymncharts (https://www.hymncharts.com/2023/11/03/the-story-behind-come-thou-long-expected-jesus/).
- “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Come,_Thou_Long_Expected_Jesus).
