December 3, 2005

Have faith in God –
And in His promise true;
Have faith in God –
Whatever you may do;
Have faith in God –
He watches over you.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

    "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land.  I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty. 'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty. 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty." Haggai 2:6-9.

    Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus is another of the more than 6,500 hymns written by Charles Wesley. It was first published in 1744 in a small collection of 18 poems titled Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord. The vibrant "Hyfrydol" tune was composed by a 20 year old Welshman, Rowland H. Prichard, in about 1830. The tune means "good cheer". It has been used with many of our popular hymns.

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.

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission