Words: , Hymns for the Na­tiv­i­ty of Our Lord (Lon­don: Will­iam Stra­han, 1745), num­ber 10.

Music: Hy­fry­dol, , 1830. Al­ter­nate tunes:

  • Cross of Je­sus, , 1887
  • Hal­ton Hol­gate, , cir­ca 1765
  • St. Hilary, anonymous
  • Stuttgart, , 1715; adapt­ed by (1805-1876)
  • Wilson, ar­ranged from in The Meth­od­ist Hymn­al (New York: The Meth­od­ist Book Con­cern, 1905), num­ber 116

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.