Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus is perhaps one of my favourite Advent songs. Written by Charles Wesley in 1744, it focuses on the “long-expected Jesus” who was born to set us free from sin, and to bring us salvation by His death. Here are the lyrics:

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.

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 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.