Pathways Press.com

Written by Alan Vermilye, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from Volume 3 of his book “The Carols of Christmas.”

The setting was London, England, in the 18^th century, shortly before the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Half of the population was living in dire conditions…Nearly half of the children born during this period didn’t survive past their second birthday…Charles Wesley was all too familiar with this reality. He and his brother John had been tirelessly preaching the gospel across the country and had witnessed firsthand the exploitation of children and the horrible conditions they endured…While sitting on a train coach in 1744, he couldn’t help but ponder the profound sense of injustice that surrounded him. In his discouragement, he clung to Haggai’s reminder to the Israelites that God’s power can transform a bleak present into a future filled with unimaginable glory… Wesley found himself deeply moved and motivated to write a prayer that would capture the profound needs and longings of humanity, as well as the hopeful anticipation of Christ’s imminent return to restore justice and bring about complete renewal. It was a prayer filled with eager anticipation, reminding believers of Christ’s first coming to Bethlehem and their longing for his future return…This beautiful hymn resonates through time, offering peace and inspiration. Like Wesley, we, too can examine the decline of culture in modern times, the attack on Christian values and principles, international conflicts, and the persisting challenges in our own lives that leave us feeling overwhelmed and in need of deliverance, peace, and hope.

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.