My Favorite Theologian

Some may like those great doctrinal writers like Whitefield, John Wesley, Spurgeon, and various other writers with multiple doctorates and degrees and letters after their names. Those men have done great work, and I appreciate their writing certainly. But I think my favorite theologian is probably Charles Wesley.

I think I like him so much because he takes the complex and makes it understandable for even us weak-minded simple folk. And truly, it is a better idea to keep theology simple than make it complex unnecessarily. And not only that, but he makes these theological writings rhyme in beautiful verse. I submit for your encouragement an example of his doctrinal expertise, which also happens to be appropriate for the Christmas season! “God bless us, every one.”

“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” – Charles Wesley

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 every nation,
   Joy of every longing heart.

2. 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.

Amen, and Merry Christmas! 

And btw, here is last Sunday’s sermon notes: The Humility of Christmas