Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus | Songs and Everlasting Joy

This hymn is penned by Charles Wesley and first appeared in a small book of poems in 1744. It can be used to speak both of the first and second advent of our Lord. As some in Israel looked forward to the Messiah's coming, so we look for His second coming. And we, too, have been expecting Him for a long time.

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Verse 1
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.

Verse 2
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thy own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our heats alone;
By Thy all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.