from Hymncharts arranger Don Chapman:
The last time I arranged this classic carol was 9 years ago so I figured it was time for an update with a modern worship twist!
The original carol only has 2 verses and I always wished there was a 3rd – I had some time this year and thought I’d write one!
Try opening your December worship with Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus – it’s a great call to worship for the entire Christmas season. These other songs fit well thematically:
Even So Come by Passion feat. Kristian Stanfill: This song is about the second coming of Christ and the eager expectation of His church. It declares that “all of creation, all of the earth, make straight a highway, a path for the Lord” and that “we wait for You, we wait for You”. It also invites Jesus to come as “the King of glory, the King above all kings” and “the Lord Almighty, the Lord of lords”. It resonates with the theme of the carol that Jesus is born to bring His gracious kingdom.
King Of Kings by Hillsong Worship is a retelling of the gospel story, from the incarnation of Jesus to His death and resurrection, and His reign over all creation. It celebrates the majesty and glory of Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords, who has redeemed us by His grace and made us His own. It matches with the carol’s theme of Jesus being born a child and yet a king, who is the hope of all the earth and the joy of every longing heart.
He Shall Reign Forevermore by Chris Tomlin rejoices in the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise and plan. It proclaims that “unto us a child is born, the King of kings and Lord of lords” and that “He shall reign forevermore”. It also describes how Jesus came as a humble baby in a manger, but also as the mighty God who holds all things together. It connects with the carol that Jesus is born a child and yet a king and Israel’s strength and consolation.
Try opening your service with Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus and closing the same service with my new Go Tell It On the Mountain. Learn more and listen.
Download Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
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Get this arrangement of Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus only at Hymncharts.com and Worshiphymns.com – you won’t find this fresh take anywhere else! As the arranger, I’m offering this new version exclusively on my sites. Add my one-of-a-kind arrangement to your Christmas worship this season!
1 Comment. Leave new
Don: Hi! While listening to your new wonderful arrangement of this hymn, I had a picture of the huge gospel ship, being turned a bit back to True North. The ship was being turned by the smallest of devices….a rudder. The work you and yours are doing is just such a rudder. Never think what you do is not substantial. Yes, hymns are not the whole worship picture, but they are a very substantial part of the instruments for worship that God has given us. Grace to you! God loves us so, Lenny Smith