Talk:Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Had John the Baptist lived in our day, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus could well have been his favorite hymn. Charles Wesley’s words echo both the yearning and the glorious proclamation of John:

“Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free.”

This advent hymn was penned by Charles in 1744 and centers on the Hebraic messianic expectations of freedom, release, rest, consolation, and hope. For Christians is represents a fulfillment of those ancient expectations in the birth of a child to being deliverance fro bondage of sin for all humanity and the establishment of God’s gracious reign in our hearts. This expectation is not only in the past, but continues in the hearts and lives of believers today and into the future.

It has been noted that this particular hymn has had particular meaning to many African-American believers, affirming the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ and his church in the language of setting free the prisoners and slaves.

It is a reminder that God works in hearts, not places. God wants to manifest his power and his glory not just in churches, but anywhere hearts are receptive to receive Him. —unsigned comment by 64.148.17.225 (talk) 04:13, 30 May 2008.