Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

December 14, 2015
Advent Reflections

Charles Wesley, one of the co-founders of the 18th century Methodist movement, wrote well over 6,000 hymns including seasonal favorites “Come, Thou Long- Expected Jesus,” “Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending,” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” Wesley’s hymns can be found in the hymnals of most Christian denominations. Writing during a time of great revival in the church, many of his songs emphasize salvation and personal Christian experience. Unlike his brother John Wesley, the other founder of Methodism, Charles did not split with the Church of England and remained an Anglican to his death.

“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.” ~ Charles Wesley, 1744