This phrase, a direct citation from Charles Wesley’s 1739 hymn, “Come, Thou Lengthy Anticipated Jesus,” encapsulates the craving anticipation of the Christian Introduction season. It displays the hopeful ready for the Messiah, each in his preliminary coming and in his promised return. The hymn’s lyrics make the most of archaic pronouns like “thou” and possessive adjectives like “thy,” frequent in 18th-century language, to handle Jesus immediately and specific devotion.
As a central theme in Introduction liturgy, the hymn and particularly this line provide a strong expression of religion and hope. It connects modern Christian worship with centuries of custom and emphasizes the religious significance of awaiting the success of God’s guarantees. The enduring recognition of the hymn speaks to the resonance of its message throughout generations and its continued relevance inside Christian communities. It serves as a reminder of the religious preparation and expectant pleasure related to the Christmas season.