Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the LORD of hosts. -Haggai 2:7

During this season, it can be really easy to look ahead to all the things that are upcoming. This could be preparation for a holiday trip, a huge family gathering, or the arrival of a loved one. The anticipation that the Christmas season brings can be overwhelming. If we are not careful, this growing expectation can distract us from our daily joy.

This longing is expressed beautifully in our Hymn of the Month, Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. This masterpiece was penned by Charles Wesley in 1744 to help prepare the church for the Advent season. But, its message is the key to appropriate expectation. 

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.

This Advent masterpiece was written from the beautiful scripture of Haggai, chapter 2. It is a proclamation from the Prophet Haggai of a future treasure and blessings that would fulfill the covenant of the Lord. The longing anticipation of the prophet and the people is palpable. Their hope, their longing, was in the coming King, Christ Jesus. Today, we walk in the joy and overflow of that anticipation. The longing of Jesus to bring mercy, peace and restoration has come. 

While this season can bring many anticipated future things to do and plan, I encourage you to slow down and walk in the joy of this season. Walk daily in the blessings granted to us in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. 

I love you guys and consider it an honor to serve as your pastor.

Blessings,

Bro. Kris.