photo: dreamstime11075657
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 ev’ry nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Joy to those who long to see Thee, Dayspring from on high, appear
Come, thou promised Rod of Jesse; Of Thy birth we long to hear!
O’er the hills, the angels singing news, Glad tidings of a birth;
“Go to Him, your praises bringing; Christ the Lord has come to earth.”
Come to earth to taste our sadness, He whose glories knew no end;
By His life He brings us gladness, Our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number; Born within a cattle stall.
This the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all!
Born thy people to deliver, Born a child, and yet a King,
Born to reign in us for ever, 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.
words by Charles Wesley
Surprisingly, this hymn is written by Charles Wesley, one of the brothers who brought so many great hymns to the church. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I just don’t think of him writing Christmas hymns and carols. The words are wonderful aren’t they?
They remind us that Christ has come to free us from our ultimate bondage to sin. He is keeping the promise He made tp Adam and Eve at the Fall…coming to set us free from our fears and sins so we can find our rest in Christ. Or later he talks about Jesus coming to earth to taste our sadness so that by His life He can bring us gladness by becoming our Redeemer, Shepherd and friend?
What a wonderful reminder this song is of the purpose for Jesus’ coming the first time: to release us from the bondage of sin in our lives. He came to deliver us…so He could reign in us forever…and bring about His kingdom.
Hallelujah!
Click below for youtube version of this song.
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus by Red Mountain Music (youtube link)
first written 12/25/11. edited and added to for December 17, 2013.
