“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.
Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation as we look toward celebrating the birthday of Jesus. For many of us, we fill this time with decorating, shopping, social events, and more. These certainly aren’t bad things… they fill our lives with a lot of chaos that prevents us from preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.
The great hymn writer, Charles Wesley, composed “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” in the 1700s, yet the message still resounds today. In this uncertain and chaotic world, I can’t think of greater gifts than love, freedom, rest, hope, joy, and deliverance from the things that weigh us down.
During this Advent season, I encourage you to spend a few minutes each day focusing on the gifts Jesus brings us. Free yourself from the worldly demands of the season. Rest in the hope of salvation and deliverance that Jesus provides to each of us who choose to say “Yes” to him. And find joy in the fact that you are dearly loved by your creator! Everything that truly matters in this life has been given to you in the form of a baby.
This is the gift of the Christ Child. This is the gift of love.