Charles Wesley wrote the lyric, and more than one person has put it to more than one tune, but today ... the prosification of "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus."
Come on, Jesus! We've been waiting a long time for you. The reason you were born was to set your people free, so release us from our fears and sins and let us, at last, find a restful peace by being in relationship with you.
You are the strength and comfort of Israel, but not only Israel. The whole earth places its hope in you. Every nation under the sun wants you. Every longing heart finds its joy in you.
You were born to deliver your people; just a human child, but in reality, a heavenly king. Your purpose is to reign in us forever, so bring your kingdom of grace even now!
Be the only ruler of our hearts, by the power of your holy, eternal spirit. Raise us up to be seated in the presence of your glorious throne ... not by our merit, but by your perfect, all-sufficient, love-filled sacrifice!
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Truth is...even though this hymn can be found in the Christmas section of most hymnals, it really is declaring our longing for Jesus to return to earth and bring his kingdom into full fruition. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
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