Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
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This week, we start our Advent Sermon series where we look at a hymn and unpack it's connection to Scripture. Here's a brief look at our hymn for this week, giving you a sneak peak of Sunday's Message.
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” is a classic Advent hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1744. Wesley, a prolific hymn writer and one of the founders of Methodism, composed this hymn with a deep yearning for the second coming of Christ and a recognition of the spiritual needs of his time. It was first published in Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord, a collection of hymns meant to prepare Christians for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
The hymn reflects Wesley’s concern for the plight of the poor, the hope found in Christ’s coming, and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy about the Messiah.
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” is a classic Advent hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1744. Wesley, a prolific hymn writer and one of the founders of Methodism, composed this hymn with a deep yearning for the second coming of Christ and a recognition of the spiritual needs of his time. It was first published in Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord, a collection of hymns meant to prepare Christians for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
The hymn reflects Wesley’s concern for the plight of the poor, the hope found in Christ’s coming, and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy about the Messiah.
"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."
- Matthew 1:21 (NLT): “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
- Isaiah 61:1-2 (NLT): “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor… to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.”
- This stanza reflects the Messiah’s role as the one who delivers His people from sin and fear, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Savior.
“Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.”
- Isaiah 9:6 (NLT): “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
- Haggai 2:7 (KJV): “And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.”
- This stanza highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s hope and the joy of all nations. It ties directly to the prophecy in Haggai about the Messiah being the “desire of nations.”
“Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King; Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring.”
- Micah 5:2 (NLT): “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.”
- Luke 1:33 (NLT): “And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
- Here, Wesley focuses on Jesus’ dual nature as both a child born in humility and the eternal King who reigns in His people’s hearts.
“By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.”
- Romans 8:9 (NLT): “But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you.”
- Hebrews 9:15 (NLT): “That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them.”
- This stanza concludes with the hope of sanctification through the Spirit and the ultimate glorification believers will experience through Christ.
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