In 1744, Charles Wesley looked around at the poverty and class struggle in Great Britain. His thoughts inspired the song, “Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus.”
This song looks back to Advent and Christmas. And again it is filled with the gifts Christ died to give us. The first stanza recalls those gifts:
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.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 New Living Translation
This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:
“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
He is my Beloved, who pleases me.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not fight or shout
or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
And his name will be the hope of all the world.”
Matthew 12:17-21 NLT
Then the second stanza changes focus: it looks forward to Christ’s return and His final victory.
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.
Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!” Luke 21:27-28 NLT
“The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15b NLT
He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 NLT
Yes! Come, Lord Jesus!