Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Charles Wesley's Advent prayer for the long-awaited birth and reign of the Saviour.
Download PDFCharles Wesley's Advent prayer for the long-awaited birth and reign of the Saviour. Written by Charles Wesley (1744), set to the tune "Hyfrydol" by Rowland H. Prichard.
Suggested pairing scripture
Haggai 2:7
"And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts."
Read Haggai 2:7 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing during Advent, in services anticipating Christ's coming and the lighting of the Advent candles.
Lyrics
Stanza 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.
Stanza 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.
History & Background
Charles Wesley wrote the verses in 1744 in response to the plight of orphan children in England, longing for the comfort of Christ's coming. The most familiar tune, 'Hyfrydol' ('cheerful'), was composed by Welsh musician Rowland Prichard around 1830 when he was about 20 years old.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Haggai 2:7
"And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts."Read in context
Luke 2:25
"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Ghost was upon him."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Charles Wesley to write this hymn?
Wesley wrote it in 1744 moved by compassion for orphan children in England, applying their longing for a deliverer to the Church's longing for Christ's first and second comings.
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Where to go next
Enjoyed "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
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