Advent Devotion, Day 20
December 20th
“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 cherished advent hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1744 expresses the deep longing of God’s people for the coming of the Messiah.
Wesley wrote it during a time when the needs of the poor and suffering were overwhelming, yet he found hope in the promise of Jesus. Each verse connects to a powerful truth about Christ: He is the fulfillment of prophecy, the deliverer from sin, and the King who brings everlasting peace.
Wesley begins by calling Jesus the "long-expected" one, a reminder of the centuries of waiting for the Messiah. The hymn connects deeply to the promises in the Old Testament of a Savior who would bring freedom to His people. In our lives, this reminds us that God's timing is perfect and that His promises never fail.
The hymn then identifies Jesus as the "hope of all the earth" and the "joy of every longing heart." This universal hope transcends cultures, nations, and time. No matter the season or situation, Jesus is the ultimate source of joy and fulfillment.
As the hymn progresses, it shifts focus to the reign of Christ in His kingdom. The line, "born to reign in us forever" reminds us of Jesus' eternal reign in our hearts when we trust Him as Lord. This reign transforms us, bringing peace and purpose.
Personal Reflection:
What does the phrase "long-expected Jesus" mean to you personally? Is there a way you can relate to the longing for Christ’s coming in your own life?
Read Luke 2:25-32. Simeon waited faithfully for the Messiah. How can we cultivate this kind of faithful expectation in our spiritual lives?
How can we as a community or family help others recognize Jesus as the "hope of all the earth" during this Advent or Christmas season?
Prayer Prompt
As we sing "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," let us remember that the same Savior who came to set us free is still at work in the world today. We wait not only for His coming at Christmas but also for His return in glory. In the waiting, let’s pray that we might do so with hope, joy, and a deep assurance of His love.
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 cherished advent hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1744 expresses the deep longing of God’s people for the coming of the Messiah.
Wesley wrote it during a time when the needs of the poor and suffering were overwhelming, yet he found hope in the promise of Jesus. Each verse connects to a powerful truth about Christ: He is the fulfillment of prophecy, the deliverer from sin, and the King who brings everlasting peace.
Wesley begins by calling Jesus the "long-expected" one, a reminder of the centuries of waiting for the Messiah. The hymn connects deeply to the promises in the Old Testament of a Savior who would bring freedom to His people. In our lives, this reminds us that God's timing is perfect and that His promises never fail.
The hymn then identifies Jesus as the "hope of all the earth" and the "joy of every longing heart." This universal hope transcends cultures, nations, and time. No matter the season or situation, Jesus is the ultimate source of joy and fulfillment.
As the hymn progresses, it shifts focus to the reign of Christ in His kingdom. The line, "born to reign in us forever" reminds us of Jesus' eternal reign in our hearts when we trust Him as Lord. This reign transforms us, bringing peace and purpose.
Personal Reflection:
What does the phrase "long-expected Jesus" mean to you personally? Is there a way you can relate to the longing for Christ’s coming in your own life?
Read Luke 2:25-32. Simeon waited faithfully for the Messiah. How can we cultivate this kind of faithful expectation in our spiritual lives?
How can we as a community or family help others recognize Jesus as the "hope of all the earth" during this Advent or Christmas season?
Prayer Prompt
As we sing "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," let us remember that the same Savior who came to set us free is still at work in the world today. We wait not only for His coming at Christmas but also for His return in glory. In the waiting, let’s pray that we might do so with hope, joy, and a deep assurance of His love.
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