“For thus says the LORD of hosts:

Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts.”

Haggai 2:6-7

On this first Sunday of Advent, we light the Prophecy Candle which reminds us that long before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God spoke through the Old Testament prophets to foretell of the coming of the Messiah, who would bring forgiveness of sins to His people and establish His kingdom.

The following hymn was written by Charles Wesley in 1744. Note the line that references Haggai 2:7, which promised that Jesus (the “Desire of All Nations”) shall come.

COME THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUS

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.

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.

Note some of the things (there are many others!) the prophets foretold about Jesus, what Jesus accomplished for the people He came to save: He came to set us free, to give us rest and joy, to deliver, to reign, to rule, to raise us to Himself.

May Christ and His kingdom be the greatest “desire” in our lives.