In a season marked by anticipation and spiritual longing, Knox Theological Seminary presents a timely Advent devotional series rooted in the timeless hymn "Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus." Crafted by our esteemed faculty, this series offers Reformed Advent reflections that connect the gospel's depth to today's ministry challenges. Whether you're a church leader, student, or donor, these weekly entries provide theological precision and practical wisdom to prepare your heart for Christmas.
Designed as a blog post series, this resource serves as a lead generator, encouraging downloads and deeper engagement with Reformed theology. The series includes an introductory post followed by four weekly devotionals, each focusing on a stanza segment of the hymn. At the end of each week, you'll find five daily Advent questions for personal reflection, family discussions, or small group use—perfect for Advent for ministry leaders balancing service and spiritual growth.
Why a Hymn-Based Advent Devotional?
Charles Wesley's "Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus" captures the essence of Advent: hope amid waiting, freedom from sin, and Christ's sovereign reign. In our Reformed tradition, we emphasize God's sovereignty and grace, making this hymn an ideal lens for Reformed Advent reflections. This series isn't just seasonal reading; it's a tool to equip church leaders with content that can be shared in sermons, newsletters, or discipleship groups.
Unlike generic devotionals, ours draws from faculty expertise at Knox Seminary, blending intellectual robustness with pastoral warmth.
How to Engage with This Advent Series
Start with the introductory post below, then follow weekly releases aligned with Advent's rhythm (beginning December 1, 2025). Each post includes:
- A faculty-written devotional (around 500 words).
- Scripture ties and theological insights.
- Five daily Advent questions for ongoing reflection.
The Blog Posts in This Series
Week 1 - Dr. Sam Lamerson
Freedom from Sin and Exile
As the first candle of Advent is lit, we begin a journey of holy waiting—a season that invites us to pause amid the bustle and remember what we're truly longing for. This week, Dr. Sam Lamerson guides us through the opening verse of "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," exploring the ancient yearning of God's people for a Messiah who would set them free. But as we'll discover, the freedom Jesus brought was far more profound than anyone imagined. Join us as we reflect on the One who came not just to rescue a nation, but to deliver every longing heart from the deepest exile of all—sin itself.
Week 2 - Dr. Robbie Crouse
The Desire of All Nations
As we light the second candle of Advent, our hearts turn to the promises that sustained God's people through centuries of waiting. This week, Dr. Robbie Crouse takes us through the second stanza of our beloved hymn, where we encounter Jesus as "Israel's strength and consolation" and "the desire of every nation." Through the prophet Haggai's vision and the faithful witness of Simeon, we see how God's plan was never meant for just one people, but for all the earth. In this season of expectation, we're reminded that the hope we celebrate at Christmas is a hope that reaches every corner of creation—and every corner of our hearts.
Week 3 - Dr. Tim Sansbury
The Child Born to Reign Forever
As the third Advent candle glows, we marvel at the mystery of the Incarnation—a child born in a manger who is also the King of all creation. This week, Dr. Tim Sansbury leads us through the third verse of "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," where we encounter the paradox that lies at the heart of Christmas: a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes who bears the government on His shoulders. Through Isaiah's magnificent prophecy, we glimpse a Kingdom that began with Christ's birth but still awaits its glorious completion. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we're invited to look both backward to the manger and forward to the day when all creation will be made new.
Week 4 - Dr. Scott Manor
Raised to His Glorious Throne
As we light the final candle of Advent, Christmas morning draws near, and our hearts overflow with anticipation. This week, Dr. Scott Manor brings us to the culminating verse of our hymn, where we discover the breathtaking truth of what Christmas means for us personally. It's not about what we bring to God, but what God has given to us through Christ's all-sufficient merit. In this final week of waiting, we're reminded that the Incarnation we celebrate is God's declaration of love—a love so overwhelming that it raises us from death to life and seats us with Christ in heavenly places. As we prepare to celebrate Emmanuel, "God with us," let us rejoice in the gift of being raised to His glorious throne.
