"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" is one of the most beloved and quintessential hymns of the Advent season, rich in theological depth and a testament to the prolific hymn-writing genius of **Charles Wesley**. Here's a breakdown of its history: 1. **Author:** * The hymn was written by **Charles Wesley** (1707-1788), the younger brother of John Wesley and co-founder of the Methodist movement. * Charles Wesley was an incredibly prolific hymn writer, penning an estimated 6,500 hymns during his lifetime. His hymns are known for their theological precision, poetic beauty, and emotional depth, often drawing heavily on Scripture. 2. **Date and Original Publication:** * Wesley wrote "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" in **1744**. * It was first published in a small collection titled **"Hymns for the Nativity of our Lord"** in that same year. This collection was intended to be used specifically during the Christmas season. 3. **The Text and its Themes:** * The hymn originally comprised **five stanzas**, though modern hymnals often present it with two, three, or four, sometimes combining or omitting lines. * **Dual Expectation:** The genius of the hymn lies in its ability to simultaneously evoke the longing for Christ's *first* coming (the historical birth in Bethlehem) and the anticipation of His *second* coming (the Parousia, or return in glory). This makes it perfect for Advent, a season that looks both backward and forward. * **Biblical Allusions:** Wesley weaves in numerous biblical references: * "Hope of Israel's fears": Reflects the Old Testament longing for the Messiah. * "Jacob's Star and David's Son": Alludes to prophecies in Numbers 24:17 and the promise to David in 2 Samuel 7. * "Born to set Thy people free": Echoes the mission of Christ. * "Dear Desire of every nation": A phrase from Haggai 2:7, referring to the "desire of all nations" that will come. * "Born to give us second birth": Points to spiritual regeneration (John 3:3). * **Personal Application:** Beyond the historical and eschatological, the hymn also invites a personal spiritual application, praying for Christ to "Enter every trembling heart" and "Rule in all our hearts alone." * **Restoration and Joy:** The hymn speaks of liberation, comfort, light, and everlasting joy that Christ brings. 4. **Musical Settings (Tunes):** * Like many of Wesley's hymns, "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" was not originally published with a specific tune. It was meant to be sung to any common meter tune. * Today, it is most commonly associated with two distinct tunes: * **HYFRYDOL:** This popular Welsh tune was composed by Rowland H. Prichard (1811-1887) around 1830 and first published in 1844. Its flowing, somewhat urgent yet joyful melody beautifully complements Wesley's text. It is particularly popular in North America. * **STUTTGART:** This tune is older, appearing in a German hymn collection in 1715, often attributed to Christian F. Witt. It is a more stately and solid tune, often preferred in British hymnals. * Other tunes, like Cross of Jesus, may also be used. 5. **Legacy and Impact:** * "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" has remained a staple in Christian worship across denominations for centuries. * Its powerful message of hope, anticipation, and the multifaceted coming of Christ makes it a perfect opening or meditative hymn for Advent services. * It continues to be cherished for its poetic beauty, theological depth, and its ability to connect believers to the ancient longing for the Messiah while also inviting personal reflection and spiritual renewal.