Advent Meditations - November 30
Day 2—Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Scripture: Haggai 2:1-9


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 andconsolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.


Haggai prophesied about the rebuilding of the temple and in the Scripture for today he tells of the coming of the Messiah whose glory would fill the temple. He reaches all the way back to the time of the Exodus, referring to the time when the glory of Yahweh filled the tabernacle. God himself was present with them then; the prophecy tells of the coming presence of the Messiah. What good news! Jesus was the desire of every nation and would bring joy into the hearts who awaited His coming.

Words to ponder: The hymn says the long-expected Jesus would release the people from fears and sins. At times it is easier to accept being set free from our sins than it is to let go of the fears that trouble us. Is that true in your life? Why should we fear when we have the promise of the Triune God? God said that He would never leave us, nor forsake us; Jesus said that He would be with us until the end of the world; the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives brings peace.