Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Welcome to Bethel’s Hymnal, a podcast where we take a few minutes each week to reflect on the songs our church sings and let God’s truth shape our lives. These are our songs—gifts for every generation to sing together in worship.

As we head into advent, we reflect on the classic hymn “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”—a powerful prayer longing for the Savior who came and the King who will come again. This hymn draws our hearts back to the deep ache of God’s people waiting for redemption, and forward to the sure hope we have in Christ. He is the One who brings freedom to the captive, rest to the weary, and joy to every longing heart. As we enter this season of anticipation, may our desire be renewed: that Christ would rule in us today as we await His glorious return.

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.

We're waiting on you, waiting on you

Waiting on you, Oh Jesus

We're waiting on you, waiting on you

Waiting on you, our Savior