Come thou long expected Jesus

COME, THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUS

In 1745, Charles Wesley published an edition of Christmas hymns. Entitled Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord, it contained just 18 Christmas carols. The best known from that small collection is COME, THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUS.

Comprised of only two verses, this simple poem reflects Wesley’s usual care for theology and rhyme:

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.

Three years later, in 1748, Charles, and his brother, John, were traveling in Wales. Whilethe primary purpose was to preach, Charles had another motive: he wanted to marry Miss Sally Gwynee.

Her parents were concerned about his ability to support a family. Charles convinced them that the anticipated royalties from the publication of an upcoming two volume edition of his poetry would be adequate. They agreed, and the couple were married. Hymns and Sacred Songs contained 455 hymns.

It is impossible to be sure how many literary texts Charles Wesley composed. Some estimates are over 9000, of which between three and 6000 were actual hymns.

Favorites include: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling; Rejoice, the Lord is King; O for a Heart to Praise my God; Jesus, Lover of my Soul; Christ the Lord is Risen Today; O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing; And Can it be that I Should Gain?; and the beloved Christmas Carol, Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

THE MINERS’ BAY CHURCH WISHES YOU        A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS, AND A HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR!