Come O Long Expected Jesus
Come, O long expected Jesus
This hymn reflects Lutheran Christology by celebrating Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic hope and the reconciler of divine justice and mercy. The text emphasizes both the incarnational reality of Christ's birth and the soteriological purpose of His coming.
History & Background
Written by Charles Wesley in 1744, this Advent hymn first appeared in his collection of Methodist hymns. It has become one of the most beloved Advent texts in Protestant worship traditions.
Charles Wesley wrote this Advent hymn and Scripture References printed it in his Hymnsfor the Nativity of our Lord (1744). Like st. 1 -2 Cor. 4:14 so many of Wesley’s texts, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” Rev. 3:21 alludes to one or more Scripture passages in virtually every st. 3-4 = Isa. 61:1-2 phrase. The double nature of Advent is reflected in this text, in Luke 4:18-19 which we remember Christ’s first coming even while praying Rom. 6:22 for his return. Stanzas 1 and 2 recall Advent prophecies in the Old Testament; stanza 3 speaks of Christ’s birth and kingdom, and stanza 4 is a prayer for Christ’s rule in our hearts.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 77
- Chalice Hymnal — 119
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 257
- Glory to God — 82
- The Hymnal 1982 — 66
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 30
- Lutheran Service Book — 338
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 61
- Lutheran Worship — 22
- New Century Hymnal — 122
- Psalter Hymnal — 329
- Trinity Hymnal — base
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 98
- United Methodist Hymnal — 196
- Voices Together — 174
Liturgical Use
Advent; Christmas and Christmas carol/lesson worship services; worship that stresses the second coming.
Bulletin Note
Written by Charles Wesley in 1744, this hymn marries Methodist revival fervor with classical hymnody. Its meditation on messianic expectation made it essential to Advent worship and a bridge between Protestant traditions.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: our deep human longing for redemption gives way to the joyful proclamation that Christ Himself is God's answer, uniting divine justice and mercy in His person and work.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (human longing and sin-awareness) → Gospel (Christ's deliverance and reign) → Sanctification (Spirit's rule in believers' hearts)
Themes
Messianic expectation Christ as deliverer Incarnation Redemption Second coming