Born out of his reflections on the orphan crisis of relentless class warfare of 18th century Great Britain, Charles Wesley penned what is often referred to as one of his most popular hymn texts during his time: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus. This song text begs us to turn aside from the consumerism and hardship of the Christmas season’s traditions and instead sit with the waiting that is found in expecting Christ.
Waiting. —— I’m not a fan of waiting, in general. I lean towards impatience too often. I’m sure that’s terribly shocking. [sarcasm intended] Recently I heard a stat on the radio that the most used phrase by parents is “Hurry up.” That seems about right. Our pace is rushed, our waiting is ‘hurry and wait’, our ability to cue is tense at best...our desire is instant gratification - instantly.
However, I am a fan of anticipation. I adore anticipating a holiday or birthday. I don’t really like early gifting - I love the build-up of excitement that occurs when you’re waiting for gift giving or celebrations. I find so much joy preparing for a visit from others. The waiting on them to arrive is, to me, almost as much fun as the actual visit. The excitement of the unknown is what I find absolutely irresistible!
I think this mystery is what Charles Wesley wanted to empower those around him with - the mystery of anticipation of Christ. We are waiting, to be certain. But we are at our most joyful when we are anticipating. Not just going through the motions of the day-to-day existence that can be terrifying in our sinful world - but instead living in the joyful anticipation of holy freedom and all of the unknown excitement is holds.
“And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:7
How powerful is this anticipation? Wesley found his inspiration here in Haggai. An unusual space to find such an advent-oriented text. But this is in fact what our precious child Christ did, didn’t He? He openly accepted any who would come to Him, so that all nations could come and worship, that His house would be filled with glory. Oh Calvarians! Oh Church! Would we be so open as our Jesus? Would we have in our hearts and minds such a enormous amount of anticipation that it would fling wide the gates, shake the nations to come, and share in His glory?
Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Reflection
Do you find yourself anticipating the season because of the joy of Christ? How are you sharing this with the nations around you? How does the idea of holy freedom fill you up?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, may we stand in glorious anticipation of your birth in every moment of this season. May we see where you are flinging the gates wide for us to share your glory with every nation. May our praise offerings bring joy into our spirits and those around us in this busiest and often emotionally most challenging of seasons. May the longing of our heart continually be for more of You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Lydia Tate spends her days as Executive Director to Christian Women’s Job Corp of Waco, and her nights as a boy-mom-warrior to Joshua, William, and Josiah and doctoral-student cheerleader to David. She adores making music, sharing conversation over coffee, and making others laugh and smile.
