Till He come!" O let the words

“Till He Come! O Let the Words” was written by Edward Henry Bickersteth in 1866 as a communion hymn, deeply rooted in Paul’s reminder in 1 Corinthians 11:26, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” This hymn reflects on the profound meaning of the Lord’s Supper and directs the worshipper’s gaze both backward to the cross and forward to the coming of Christ.

Bickersteth, who later became Bishop of Exeter, had a strong pastoral heart and a gift for writing hymns that united rich theology with heartfelt devotion. In this piece, he captures the believer’s anticipation of Christ’s return, encouraging Christians to partake of the bread and cup not with mere ritual, but with living hope and expectancy. The repetition of “till He come” serves as a refrain of assurance, urging believers to live in watchfulness and faithfulness.

The hymn beautifully intertwines themes of remembrance, fellowship, and hope. It reminds worshippers that the Lord’s Table is not simply a memorial but also a pledge of the final banquet we will share with Christ in His kingdom. Each stanza builds upon the sense of longing for the day when faith will give way to sight, when communion will no longer be symbolic but fulfilled in the eternal presence of the Lord.

This hymn has been valued across denominational lines and has often been sung during communion services, especially in seasons such as Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. Its sober tone and forward-looking anticipation make it both solemn and triumphant, drawing the hearts of believers into deeper reflection on Christ’s sacrifice and His promised return.

Through its poetic simplicity, “Till He Come! O Let the Words” continues to point the church to the heart of the gospel: Christ has died, Christ is risen, and Christ will come again.