The Music of Advent – Part 3

The Music of Advent – Part 3     

Today, let’s look at another of John Wesley’s sacred Advent Hymns, Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus. Written in 1744, Wesley included it in his Hymns for the Nativity of our Lord, that same year.

Every line of this encouraging piece suggests a Scripture reference: 2 Corinthians 4:14, Revelation 3:21, Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:18-19 and Romans 6:22. Wesley alludes to the longings for both the first and second comings of Jesus. *

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We may sometimes hear this simple tune as an instrumental with string instruments … and it’s beautiful, especially if we’re singing the lyrics in our heads.    

Take to heart, these lyrics and if you’d like, worship along with the You Tube rendition.

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.

Come, Thou long expected Jesus on You Tube:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=come+thou+long+expected+jesus+youtube&&view=detail&mid=F91589D340F371CAB77DF91589D340F371CAB77D&&FORM=VDRVRV

 *From: https://hymnary.org/text/come_thou_long_expected_jesus_born_to