Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

A classic Advent hymn, and one where translation into modern language reveals that the opening direct address to Jesus is actually quite awkward in contemporary discourse:  "Come YOU long expected Jesus."  We just don't speak in that way anymore.  A different approach has therefore been adopted.

Original lyrics:

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 ev’ry nation,
Joy of ev’ry 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. 

Lyrics by Charles Wesley

Renewal lyrics:

Come, O long expected Jesus,
Born to set YOUR people free.
From our fears and sins release us;
Let us find our rest AND SEE
Israel’s Strength and Consolation
Hope TO all the earth IMPART.
Dear Desire of ev’ry nation,
Joy of ev’ry longing heart!

Born YOUR people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King.
Born to reign in us forever,
Now YOUR gracious kingdom bring.
By YOUR own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By YOUR all-sufficient merit,
Raise us to YOUR glorious throne. 

Renewal lyric changes by RH Reinhard (c) 2014