Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus -Charles Wesley

Many familiar Christmas carols and hymns beautifully retell the Christmas story. Charles Wesley wrote “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” which was first published in 1744 in his “Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord.” This collection of eighteen hymns was so popular that it was reprinted over twenty times during Wesley’s lifetime.

“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” doesn’t speak of shepherds and the scene at the manger. Wesley’s hymn started as a prayer that emphasized the need for a Saviour for all people. The promised Messiah would be that One for both Jews and Gentiles. The first stanza expresses the anticipation of the arrival of Jesus as promised in the Old Testament. The second stanza explains the excitement and amazement surrounding the actual birth of Jesus as told in the New Testament. The Apostle John expressed the expectation of Christ’s return in this way: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20).

Wesley used the repetition of the word “born” effectively. Each of the four times the word is used, it represents an aspect of Christ’s purpose for coming into this world: “Born to set thy people free,” “Born thy people to deliver,” “Born a child and yet a king,” and “Born to reign in us forever.” The famous Baptist preacher in London, Charles H. Spurgeon, preached a Christmas sermon in 1855 referring to Wesley’s hymn. He pointed out that very few people are born a king and that Jesus was the only one who had been born a king without first being a prince. His sermon popularized the hymn across England.

Wesley always challenged the congregation that sang the scripture but didn’t make personal application of it in their lives. The events of the Christmas story happened long ago, but God’s gift to all who believe offers every person eternity with Him. Wesley’s hymn admonishes all to accept Christ personally and to include Him in every aspect of their lives.  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). 

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