31 Days of Song, Day #4

"Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" was written in 1744 by the great hymn writer, Charles Wesley, brother to the greater and more well-known John Wesley.  Rowland Prichard set the music to this beautiful hymn in 1830.   We sang this song in church today, and it was beautiful!  I really like this version by Christy Nockels with Chris Tomlin.

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.

-- Charles Wesley 

I'm thankful for the snow we got over this weekend.  It's really beautiful.  I'm also really glad that we're not supposed to get anymore before Tuesday, which is when I have a math exam at 7:30 AM.  It's not fun driving on icy roads that early in the morning!  For now I'm glad to be inside a warm house, with Christmas decorations all around, a loving family here with me, and the knowledge that "Jesus died, my soul to save" (check out this song by Pocket Full of Rocks; beautiful!).

If you're looking for great Christmas music in a larger quantity than I've been giving it, check out Savior: Celebrating the Mystery of God Become Man by Sovereign Grace.  Another awesome CD that I recently found is Music Inspired By the Story.  I think this is one of the best CDs I've ever heard. :)