COME, THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUS

By Tim Claubaugh

TEXT: Haggai 2: 7; Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt.
MUSIC: Christian F. Witt, 1660-1716; adapt. By Henry J. Gauntlett, 1805-1876
TUNE: STUTTGART
METER: 8 7 8 7


Charles Wesley wrote an enormous amount of hymns (over 7,500 – which averages out to a hymn every other day for 50 years). Besides having the gift of writing some of the best hymns that we sing today, he was also a very gifted preacher.

This hymn looks forward to Jesus’ second coming; an event that Wesley himself looked forward to as well. When Wesley was 30 years old, he came to America where he became appalled (to the point of having a nervous breakdown) at what he saw with the slavery in this country. Many of his hymns (including verse 1 of this hymn) contain a verse about slavery and setting God’s people free; free from slavery, sin and fear.

In his book, “Hymn Notes for Church Bulletins,” Austin Lovelace writes of this hymn:

“Although this hymn usually appears in the Advent section, Wesley wrote it for Christmas. Names given to Jesus: strength, consolation, hope, dear desire, and joy. Also note the use of the word “Born” three times to begin lines of poetry in stanza two. The hymn’s ultimate emphasis is on the kingship of Jesus, closing with a prayer that Christ will rule in our hearts alone.”



1. Come, O long expected Jesus,
born to set your people free;
from our fears and sins release us;
free us from captivity.

2. Israel’s strength and consolation,
you, the hope of all the earth,
Dear desire of every nation,
Come, and save us by your birth.

3. Born your people to deliver;
born a child and yet a king!
Born to reign in us for ever,
Now your gracious kingdom bring.

4. By your own eternal spirit
Rule in all our hearts along;
By your all sufficient merit
Raise us to your glorious throne.