One of my favorite Christmas carols is “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne”. I don’t hear it much anymore, but it tells the entire story of Christ’s birth and life. The hymn was written in the 1800s by Emily Elliott to help children understand the significance of Advent and the nativity. The lines are penned in old English, which may be why we don’t hear it as much today.

A few year’s ago, I heard a modernized version. I thought I would try my hand at creating my own modern translation of this beautiful hymn. 

When you read it, notice the heart cry invitation. What a great prayer this Christmas Eve!

 Lord, You left Your throne and Your kingly crown
 When You came to the Earth for me;
 But in Bethlehem’s home there was found no room
 For Your holy nativity.
  
 O come to my heart, Lord Jesus!
 There is room in my heart for You.
  
 Heaven’s arches rang when the angels sang
 Proclaiming Your royal degree,
 But of lowly birth You came to Earth
 In great humility.
  
 The foxes found rest and the birds their nest
 In the shade of the forest tree,
 But Your couch was the sod, O dear Son of God,
 In the deserts of Galilee.
  
 You came, O Lord, with the living Word
 That could set Your people free,
 But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn
 They bore You to Calvary.
  
 O come to my heart, Lord Jesus!
 There is room in my heart for You.
  
 When the Heavens shall ring and the angels sing
 At Your coming to victory,
 May Your voice call me home, saying “yes, there is room.
 There is room at My side for you."
  
 My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
 When You come and You call for me. 

Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

May our hearts be open to Him this Christmas. May He find a welcome home in us!

I still love the original version, so you can listen to it here. Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

Photo – Courtesy of hymnary.org