Come, Lord Jesus

Someone asked if our family sings Christmas carols.  We sing the doctrinally sound ones, and they are good for all year long. These beautiful words, sung to the tune of Our Great Savior (one of my favorites!), are rich with meaning:

Come, thou long expected Jesus,

Born to set thy people free;

From our sins and fears 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 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 like that first line, Come, thou long expected Jesus.  Planet earth is getting to be a scary place to live. I am ready for Jesus to come again and set things right!   

The first time he came, only a few knew the King of Kings dwelt here.  When he comes again, the whole world will know about it!

At his first coming his kingdom was not of this world.  When he comes again, he will take his throne in Jerusalem.

The first time he was here, he was lowly, riding on a colt, just, and having salvation. The next time he comes he will be exalted, riding a white horse, and judging and making war in righteousness.  

The first time he came, he wore a crown of thorns.  Next time he will wear a crown of gold.


Jesus first came as the Lamb of God.  His second coming will be as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. 

The first time he came he gave his sinless life's blood for me, so that the next time he comes, he'll be taking me with him! 

God's greatest gift was not just his Son -- it was the blood of his Son!  Jesus did not remain a babe in a manger.  He grew up and accomplished what his Father sent him to do.  He is God Almighty. He died to make things right between you and God.  

What will you do with Jesus?  Will you worship him as a babe in a manger, and then go about your life unchanged, the same as you were before?  Or will you, in repentance, receive him as your King?  If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.

Come, thou long expected Jesus!

*   *   *   *   *   *   *

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse;

and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, 

and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; 

and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: 

and his name is called The Word of God.

And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, 

clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: 

and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: 

and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, 

KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Revelation 19:11-16