Weekly Wesley #2
Weekly Wesley # 2
This is the second installment of a weekly series that I hope to write over the next few months as I review and reflect on the writings of John and Charles Wesley.
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus†is one of my favorite Christmas songs. It was composed by Charles Wesley. Reflect for a few moments on the lyrics. Click here to listen to the melody.
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.
These lyrics capture the power and potential of our celebration of Advent as well as highlight key theological emphases:
Mission – Wesley articulates the scope of God’s actions through Jesus. Jesus is not merely the savior long-awaited by Israel or the Church. Jesus is the hope of the nations including every longing heart.
Reign of God – Jesus’ authority is linked to his ushering in of the rule/reign/kingdom of God.
Salvation – Jesus’ coming is centered on God’s mission to bring salvation, hope, and restoration to a lost humanity.
Tension between Past, Present, and Future – Wesley’s lyric holds together the historical incarnation with its present implications for the lives of Christ followers as well as its future implications for Jesus’ triumphal return. As we sing this marvelous song, we give thanks for the reality of Jesus’ historical birth and we also articulate our own existential longing for Jesus to impact our lives today and to return in glory in the future.
© 2006 Brian D. Russell