I Am Sure I Have Posted This Before...

but since i am newly and thoroughly obsessed with this hymn, so here we go again.

(ps - buy the version by jaime jamgochian on itunes asap. tis phenomenal.)

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
i think my favorite thing about this hymn is the joyful hope here, because it is entirely appropriate. the Lord Jesus deserves our heart-pounding anticipation of His coming, and i love that this song captures that.

i also love the final line: "by Thine all-sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne." it's beautifully true. the only way we stand before the King is by the all-sufficient merit of Christ.