by Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
1 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 ev’ry nation,
joy of ev’ry longing heart.
2 Come, thou universal Savior;
come, redeem the human race.
Life and joy spring from thy favor;
cheer each soul in need of grace.
Still we wait for thine appearing—
make our senseless struggles cease.
Guide us from our weary wand’ring
into paths of perfect peace.
3 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.
Rooted and Grounded 