Traditional Hymns
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Listen to:
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (.midi) Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (.mp3) Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Bells Version (.mp3)
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.
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 thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
Devotional based on the beloved Advent hymn "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" by Charles Wesley
Devotional: The Longing Fulfilled Scripture Reading: Luke 2:25-32"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout... It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah." (Luke 2:25-26, NIV)
Devotion:
"Come, Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free..."
These words echo the yearning of generations who waited in darkness for the light of the world to arrive. Charles Wesley’s hymn captures not only the hope of ancient Israel, but the universal cry of every heart that longs for redemption, peace, and restoration.
In Luke 2, we meet Simeon—an old man who lived in faithful expectation, clinging to God's promise that he would see the Messiah. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simeon took the child in his arms and declared, “My eyes have seen your salvation.” In that moment, centuries of longing were fulfilled—not through military power or political might, but in the form of a tiny, vulnerable baby.
"From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee."
Jesus came not only to free Israel but to offer rest to all who are weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28). His birth fulfilled prophecy, but more personally, it fulfilled the deepest needs of the human soul: the need for a Savior, a Deliverer, a King.
In every season of waiting—whether for healing, provision, reconciliation, or clarity—this hymn reminds us that Christ is the ultimate answer to our hope. The same Jesus who came once in humility will come again in glory. As we sing these words, we are not just remembering a birth—we are renewing our anticipation.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You that You came to fulfill the longing of every heart. In our own seasons of waiting, remind us that You are faithful and that Your timing is perfect. Help us to rest in You, trust in Your promises, and live in joyful expectation of Your return. Come again, Lord Jesus. Amen.
