Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

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. 

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.  

Words: Charles Wesley, 1744
Music: Rowland H. Prichard, 1830; harm. from The English Hymnal, 1906
Tune: HYFRYDOL (87. 87D)
United Methodist Hymnal #196  

Youtube
1. Meditative a cappella
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAGE1Es8IPs

2. Livelier acoustic version by Fernando Ortega
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMzrL2GgQrU

Reflection Questions

1. What do you need the LORD to set you free from?

2. What fear(s) do you need to relinquish? Commit that to the LORD and find your rest in Him.

Adapt lines 3 and 4 into your own personal prayer and sing it.

From my ________ and _________ release me,
let me find my rest in Thee.

3. What have you been longing for?

a) How is this aligned to God’s good purpose for you?

b) How can you wait with hope, strength, and perseverance?

4. Highlight every verb you see in both stanzas. What tone do these verbs convey? How can you use them in your prayer during times of waiting?

5. Circle the word “born” each time it appears. What has Jesus come to do? How do these truths affect the way you live?

6. Select a verse below to recite daily and to meditate on. Journal down your thoughts. Consider using the verse in your prayer to God. Move on to meditate on a second verse after a few days.

a) Hope – Romans 8:24-25; 5:4; 12:12; 15:13

b) Strength – Isaiah 33:2; 40:29, 31; 41:10

c) Anxiety and consolation – Psalm 94:19; Luke 2:25

d) Waiting – Psalm 130:5