Podcast Summary: The Daily Blade

Episode #256 – Kyle Thompson // Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Release Date: December 24, 2025
Hosts: Joby Martin & Kyle Thompson

Overview

In this special Christmas Eve episode, Joby Martin and Kyle Thompson continue their devotional exploration of classic Christmas carols, focusing on “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” The hosts delve into the carol’s rich biblical themes, its historical context, and the deep longing for the Messiah echoing through both Old and New Testaments. Practical theology and scriptural references are woven throughout, offering listeners insight into the carol’s message and its application to faith and daily Christian living.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to the Carol and Historical Context

• [00:20] Kyle introduces “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” noting it is his favorite version by Shane & Shane (from "A Worship Initiative Christmas Volume 2," 2018).
• The carol was written by Charles Wesley in 1744, during a period marked by “steep moral decline in England which led to a great deal of poverty, which ultimately led to an orphan crisis.”
• Notable Insight: Charles Wesley was inspired while studying Haggai 2:7, feeling "moved by the clear message of scripture and the suffering around him."

2. Combining Old Testament Longing with New Testament Fulfillment

• The carol “brings together an Old Testament longing with a New Testament fulfillment.”
• The hosts read the first verse, highlighting central themes: deliverance, hope, and consolation.
• Quote [01:38]:

  "Come Thou long expected Jesus…speaking in a Jewish context, how long was humanity waiting for a Messiah?" (Kyle)

3. How Long Was the Messiah Expected?

• Multifaceted Waiting Periods:

  • 400 years:
    The “intertestamental” period from Malachi (the last Old Testament prophet) to Christ's birth.
    • Scripture Reference [02:10]: Malachi 3:1.
  • 1,500 years:
    Time from Moses to Jesus.
  • 2,000 years:
    All the way back to Abraham and the first Messianic promise.
    • Scripture Reference [02:38]: Genesis 12:3 and Galatians 3:16.

• Quote [02:52]:

  “This is the seed of salvation... Paul identifies this seed as Christ.” (Kyle)

4. Messianic Fulfillment in Christ

• The hosts turn to the second stanza, reflecting on the birth, reign, and final rule of Christ.
• Lyrics emphasize Jesus “born to deliver, born a child and yet a King.”
• Quote [03:13]:

  “He will then dwell in us. And that is when our sanctification process begins.” (Kyle)

5. The Doctrine of Sanctification

• Explains sanctification as a “progressive work of God in our lives,” beginning with faith in Jesus.

• Cites Galatians 2:17–21, emphasizing that righteousness comes through faith, not by works.

• Quote [03:45]:

  “When we become Christians, guys, we put our faith in Christ, and he will then dwell in us.” (Kyle)

• Ends with a focus on the believer’s glorious destiny, as echoed in the last line of the carol: “Raise us to thy glorious throne.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the carol’s historical inspiration [00:43]:

  "This clear message of scripture seemed to move the heart of Wesley, and he and others were trying to address the on-the-ground suffering in England at this time." (Kyle)

• On bridging Old & New Testament hopes [01:18]:

  "Come Thou long expected Jesus brings together an Old Testament longing with a New Testament fulfillment." (Kyle)

• On sanctification & Christian life [03:20]:

  "Sanctification is the progressive work of God in our lives. And where do we end up when God takes us on that journey? To his glorious throne." (Kyle)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [00:20] Introduction & carol background
• [01:18] Lyrics and theological unpacking
• [02:10] Waiting for the Messiah: timelines and scripture
• [03:13] New Testament fulfillment & sanctification
• [03:45] Life in Christ and practical faith
• [04:33] Episode wrap-up (beginning of outro)

Tone & Style

The tone is warm, devotional, and focused on practical theology for Christian men. The hosts use clear language, scriptural literacy, and a sense of urgency about connecting faith with daily life. They emphasize both historical depth and personal application.

Summary

This episode of The Daily Blade offers a succinct yet theologically rich look at “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” The hosts skillfully connect the carol’s powerful longing for the Messiah with both biblical history and the ongoing journey of Christian sanctification, rooted in faith and anchored in the hope of Christ’s ultimate reign.

Listeners will gain a refreshed appreciation for this classic Christmas song—not just as music, but as a condensed gospel message spanning from Genesis to the manger and onward to Christ’s glory.