THOU DIDST LEAVE THY THRONE

When we stop to really think about the Christmas story, it is quite incredible.  Jesus left His perfect throne in heaven to come to earth as a baby to ultimately save us from death and eternal separation from God.  He left His kingly throne for me and for you.  And then he wasn't even born in a palace or even a modest home.  He was born in a barn or a cave and in a manger, a trough!  Talk about humility.  God took on a human form, becoming a man.  He was made lower than the angels.  And later he obeyed God even to the point of death.  What amazing love shown to each of us.  In 1864, Elizabeth Steele Elliott tried to express this sacrifice and humility in one of over 140 hymns which she wrote.  "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" expressed the Christmas story with a refrain after each verse that should be our response.  As we leave the Christmas season, meditate on this message and the responses, and may it challenge your life throughout the coming year.

(1)   Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,

When Thou camest to earth for me;

But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room

For Thy holy nativity.

Refrain

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,

There is room in my heart for Thee.

(2)   Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang,

Proclaiming Thy royal degree;

But of lowly birth didst Thou come to earth,

And in great humility.

Refrain

(3)   The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest

In the shade of the forest tree;

But Thy couch was the sod, O Thou Son of God,

In the deserts of Galilee.

Refrain

(4)   Thou camest, O Lord, with the living Word,

That should set Thy people free;

But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn,

They bore Thee to Calvary.

Refrain

(5)   When the heav'ns shall ring, and her choirs shall sing,

At Thy coming to victory,

Let Thy voice call me home, saying "Yet there is room,

There is room at My side for thee."

My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,

When Thou comest and callest for me.

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