Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending

By Charles Wesley

Lyrics

1. Lo! he comes with clouds descending,
Once for favored sinners slain!
Thousand, thousand saints attending,
Swell the triumph of his train.
Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Alleluia!
God appears on Earth to reign.

2. Ev'ry eye shall now behold him,
Robed in dreadful majesty;
Those who set at naught and sold him,
Pierced and nailed him to a tree,
Deeply wailing,
Deeply wailing,
Deeply wailing,
Shall the true Messiah see.

3. The dear tokens of his passion
Still his dazzling body bears,
Cause of endless exultation
To his ransomed worshipers;
With what rapture,
With what rapture,
With what rapture
Gaze we on those glorious scars.

4. Yea! Amen! let all adore thee
High on thine eternal throne!
Savior, take the pow'r and glory,
Claim the kingdom for thine own.
Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Alleluia!
Everlasting God come down.

Bible Reference

Revelation 1:7; Matthew 24:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

About This Hymn

"Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending" is a powerful hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1758. The hymn focuses on the Second Coming of Christ, vividly portraying His return in glory, the gathering of His faithful, and the judgment of the world. Wesley’s lyrics evoke a sense of awe, urgency, and anticipation, encouraging believers to prepare their hearts and live in readiness for Christ’s appearing. The hymn draws heavily on apocalyptic imagery from Revelation and the Gospels, emphasizing both the majesty and the justice of Christ as He returns.

The hymn’s structure alternates between vivid descriptions of Christ’s return, the faithful rejoicing at His presence, and the calling of humanity to repent and follow Him. Each verse builds upon the imagery of heaven opening, angels proclaiming His glory, and the faithful being raised to meet Him, creating a sense of drama and worshipful expectation. The recurring theme underscores the certainty of Christ’s promise to return and the eternal hope for those who remain faithful.

Musically, the hymn is traditionally set to the tune Helmsley, which complements the grandeur and solemnity of the text. Its soaring melody mirrors the triumphant imagery and has made the hymn a staple in Advent and eschatological worship services. Over the years, "Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending" has remained one of Wesley’s most enduring and inspirational works, encouraging Christians to maintain spiritual vigilance and hope in the ultimate return of their Savior.