"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”

The lyrical Christmas carol “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” is one that could answer the question “What Child Is This?” Like a well-wrought poem, in just two stanzas, Methodist hymn writer Charles Wesley’s song accurately and succinctly portrays so much about Jesus. With poignancy and brevity, the carol tells of His birth, His purpose, His mission, His relationship to mankind and His unique connection to Israel.  

Wesley’s words remind of just exactly who Jesus is. He may have entered the world once as a helpless baby born in poverty, but He is for all time the King of kings. While the wise men took Him gifts when they came to worship Jesus in Bethlehem, it is He who offers the world so much more than we can imagine. Wesley’s carol tells us that in addition to eternal salvation, Jesus offers us freedom, rest, hope, and joy. A life with Jesus offers more than we could ever dream, but the key to experiencing that life is to acknowledge Him as king and let Him rule in our hearts both now and through all eternity.