Advent is the time of year when we celebrate and remember when Jesus first entered the world as a child in Bethlehem. As we saw earlier last week, this first advent of Christ was promised by prophets centuries before Jesus birth. The prophets, however, spoke (not of one advent) but of two. Jesus Himself, before He went to the cross, promised His disciples that He would return to earth again. Since Jesus has not yet returned to the earth, we live today awaiting the second advent of the Savior. Because of that, the lyric to Charles Wesley’s great hymn, “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” has double meaning for us. We look back to His first coming, as the child who was a King, while we look forward to His second coming, when He brings His kingdom and raises us to His glorious throne. As you read the lyrics to this hymn today, be reminded of the fact that just as Jesus came once (in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago), He will also come again! Think of all the things in this world that are impacted by sin or cause us to fear. The second advent of Christ will put an end to that. Indeed, “Come Thou long expected Jesus!”
“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.”
Thanks for posting Charles Wesley’s “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” and for your insightful comments. Today is the 302nd anniversary of Wesley’s birth. To learn a bit more about him and his hymns, I invite you to check out my daily blog on hymn history, Wordwise Hymns.