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.
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne
About This Song
In 1744, Charles Wesley penned the profound lyrics of “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” which would soon be published in his collection, “Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord.” Just a year earlier, Wesley had been ordained in the Church of England and was tirelessly preaching the gospel message across Britain alongside his brother John Wesley, the co-founder of Methodism. Having seen firsthand the needs of the poor and marginalized in British society, Wesley was inspired to write hymns that would prepare hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.
