When Jesus Comes

“When Jesus Comes” is a moving gospel hymn written and composed by Philip P. Bliss, one of the most beloved hymn writers of the 19th century. This hymn emphasizes the joyful hope and spiritual anticipation surrounding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It presents the Christian life as a pilgrimage through a dark and weary valley, with the light of Christ’s return as the believer’s guiding and sustaining hope. Through its poetic and soul-stirring verses, the hymn reflects both the hardships of earthly life and the glorious relief that will accompany Christ’s return.

Each stanza captures a different aspect of the believer’s experience. The first verse sets the tone with a picture of uncertainty and longing: “Down life’s dark vale we wander... we watch and wait and wonder.” This echoes the biblical theme of vigilance seen in Matthew 25, where the wise virgins keep their lamps burning while awaiting the bridegroom. The repeated chorus highlights the heavenly transformation that will accompany Jesus’ return: “All joy His loved ones bringing... all praise through heaven ringing... all beauty bright and vernal... all glory, grand, eternal.”

Later verses touch on vital Christian themes: keeping the lamp of faith burning (verse 2), the end of sorrow and pain (verse 3), the banishment of fear and doubt (verse 4), and the compassionate understanding of Christ toward the believer’s trials (verses 5 and 6). These lines offer comfort by assuring that Jesus, when He returns, will not only bring glory but also recognize and reward the struggles of the faithful: “He’ll know the way was dreary... He’ll know the feet grew weary... Oh, how His arms will rest me.”

Bliss's musical and lyrical style shines through this hymn, offering simple yet deeply theological reflections. As a key figure in the revival movements of his time, his hymns often combined scriptural fidelity with emotional resonance, designed to reach hearts during evangelistic meetings. This hymn, like many of his others, presents the Second Coming not as a theological abstraction but as a real, near, and comforting event to which every believer should look with eagerness and hope.

“When Jesus Comes” is a gentle but powerful reminder to remain watchful and faithful amid life’s trials. Its message is timeless: the Lord is coming, and with Him comes rest, reward, and radiant joy. This hymn continues to encourage Christians to persevere, look upward, and rejoice in the promise that our Savior is indeed returning.