This Charles Wesley hymn was first published in 1744. The tune was composed by a Rowland H. Prichard, age 20 in about 1836. It is sung here by Chris Tomlin, a modern singer. We started with the genealogy in Matthew 1 and showed this week in our devotions that the guys from long ago who built lives on choices to trust God are not different from us or George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” God’s faithfulness in keeping his promises to work with us in the past builds HOPE for us to face the future.
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.
By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
I’ m adding on another new song I found this week that speaks to God’s faithfulness to us ordinary people. We bow our head in thanks.
On the Way to Wonder 