Seize the Moment – Day 984

Today’s hymn focus will be

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

 Haggai 2:7 (KJV)

 

“And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.”

 

In 1744, Charles Wesley was pondering Haggai 2:7 while riding aboard a train coach.  As he was looking at the class divide in Great Britain and what was happening with the orphans in the areas around him, he first wrote “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” as a Nativity prayer.

 

In 1855, Charles Spurgeon made a Christmas sermon noting that Jesus was born a King, not a prince, and was sent to rule our hearts and lives. This song appeared in both the Methodist and the Baptist hymn books ever since.

 

But it is important to realize that Wesley was also looking further towards the Second Coming of Christ, echoing the words that illustrate the believer’s hope and longing for His return. This is why we sing this song today.

 

Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.

 

As we begin this Advent season, may our hearts be awakened to not only celebrate Jesus’ coming to the manger, but also to look forward with great anticipation to His return to take us home.
 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

Videos are posted about a week after the devotion appears in the blog.

 
 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

 

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

1.
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.
 
2.
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.
 

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