Come Thou Long Expected Jesus by Kings Kaleidoscope
Lyrics
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.
Analysis
This song is yet another classic written by Charles Wesley. Other verses that you might know were added later in the 20th century by another writer.
Like many wonderful praise songs, this is not only a song, but a prayer. In fact, if this song were prayed, instead of sung, during a church worship service, it would be seamless, edifying, and appropriate. It is a prayer for the Lord to come, to tend to His sheep, to give us strength, hope, and joy. It is a reminder to our own souls that our hearts are restless always until we find our rest in Him. We were made to find great joy in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we ought to pray, sing, and proclaim as such!
But, of course, this song is not only a prayer for help and a reminder to the weary. It is also praise to the King of Glory, who reigns from His glorious throne in heaven, and now waits for the inauguration of His kingdom on Earth. All Christians long for His kingdom to come; this song puts that longing to beautiful lyrics and music.
I would only change one thing about this song: we should sing it much more than just near Christmastime. The themes in this song are always in season.