Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne, 5 December 2021
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
Series—Carols
Luke 2:1-7
Series Big Idea: Carols are the soundtrack of the season as we celebrate Advent.
Big Idea: Is there room in your life for the One who made room in his life for you?
I can remember it like it was yesterday. My wife and daughters flew from Detroit to Seattle on a red-eye which was delayed. It must’ve been around 3 AM when I drove our rental car to the hotel I had reserved—with a credit card—eager to catch some much-needed sleep before our two-hour drive to visit friends. I walked to the front desk to check-in when the person at the front desk said the two words no weary traveler wants to hear:
NO ROOM
I was shocked! After all, I had reserved a room! I had made payment—or at least a deposit—on a room. I was tired and cranky and I needed a room, not only for myself but my ladies. When I appealed, I was told
NO ROOM
What do you mean, no room? Surely you’ve got some place we can rest! I was told a room might be available around 10 AM if I wanted to check in for the next day and night. I didn’t need a room in seven hours! I needed one now!
Have you ever felt stuck between a rock and a hard place? I literally had no idea what to do at 3 in the morning on the other side of the country with a wife and two little girls, knowing our friends weren’t expecting us until 9 AM…six hours later. Did I mention I was tired and cranky?!
NO ROOM
Have you ever had a similar experience? Maybe it was trying to find a seat on the bus, a concert ticket, registering for a college class, or simply a parking spot.
NO ROOM
How did it make you feel?
Today we’re continuing our Advent series, Carols. We actually begin it last year at Christmastime and this year we have four new songs we’re examining. Actually, they’re not new, but rather quite old! Last week Mykel preached a great sermon based upon the theme of The People that in Darkness Sat. Today we’re exploring the scriptures behind the carol Thou Did’st Leave Thy Throne. The Shakespearean-sounding title alerts us that it’s hardly a new song, yet its lyrics are timeless.
Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
So begins this carol. It’s obviously speaking of Jesus, the King of kings. What would cause a king to leave his throne? Why would a king set aside his crown? Even though we’re quite unfamiliar with royalty—aside from the occasional gossip from England—the idea of a king stepping down seems remarkable. After all, many lust for power and will do just about anything to obtain it…or keep it. Yet our own nation’s history contains a brilliant account of one choosing to give up power.
George Washington faithfully served the United States until his resignation on December 23, 1783. When asked what Washington would do, King George III was told Washington would return to his farm, leading the king to famously declare, “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”
It takes a great person to willingly surrender power, and one even greater than Washington stepped down from a far greater position. As we sang last week,
Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
We could say, “Creator of the universe, You left heaven’s splendor to spend thirty-three years on this beautiful yet broken planet.”
Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
Why? Did have nothing better to do? Was he bored with the entertainment options in heaven? Did Jesus get into an argument with the Father and the Holy Spirit and need a break?! Hardly!
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown, When Thou camest to earth for me
YOU are the reason Jesus left his throne! He came to earth for YOU! He made a special, rather-lengthy trip for YOU! What amazing love!
How far have you ever traveled for another person? We drove about twelve hours each way to visit family over Thanksgiving. That was a lot of time, gas, and effort to see my grandma, aunt, uncle, and my sister’s family, but it’s nothing like the journey Jesus made from heaven to earth. I know the story is familiar to most of you, but imagine making such a journey and hearing those two awful words
NO ROOM
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room For Thy holy nativity.
Nativity simply refers to the birth of Jesus described in the gospels or “good news” of Matthew and Luke. Speaking of Mary, the New King James Version says,
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7, NKJV)
NO ROOM
It’s worth noting they were not trying to get a room at the Holiday Inn! There are many myths and misunderstandings that have developed over the years about the birth of Jesus, not the least of which is this reference to an inn. The New Living Translation says, “There was no lodging available for them” and the NIV says, “There was no guest room available for them.”
Back in the day, people would live upstairs with animals on the ground floor. Although a manger is present, no animals are mentioned by Dr. Luke. The significance of the manger may not be much aside from it being a signpost given by the angel (a few verses later) to help the shepherds identify the Messiah.
To understand what’s happening, we need to go back to the beginning of this chapter.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. (Luke 2:1-3)
Every fourteen years, Rome took a census for tax and military purposes. Each Jewish male had to return to his father’s city. Imagine doing that today! It helps explain why the house was full, forcing the couple and their newborn downstairs.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:4-7)
NO ROOM
Joseph and Mary had traveled about ninety miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem…without a DVD player, a heater, or even a car! Imagine walking from here to the Cleveland airport. How imagine you arrive and you’re told
NO ROOM
Did I mention Mary was nine months pregnant? And that being an unwed mother was not exactly politically or socially correct?
I know God had His reasons, but the birth of Jesus has got to be one of the most unusual, counter-intuitive plans of the Almighty. Kings are born in palaces…or at least hospitals. What am I saying?! Kings don’t leave their thrones! Nobody chooses to be born on our planet, right?
Emily Elizabeth Steele Elliott (1836-1897) was born in Brighton, England. She was the daughter of an Anglican clergyman and the niece of Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871), the author of the famous hymn, “Just as I am.”
Emily published a collection of 48 hymns called Under the Pillow for those sick in hospitals, infirmaries, or at home. She wrote, “Thou didst leave thy throne” separately, however, to help children understand the meaning of the nativity—the birth of Christ—and Advent, this season of expectant waiting. After explaining the rejection of Jesus’ parents, she contrasts it with her own treatment of the Messiah.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for Thee. Is there room in your heart for Jesus? You all know the right answer, especially on Sunday morning, but be honest. Is there room in your heart for Jesus? Is there room in your life for Jesus? Is there room in your calendar for Jesus?
It seems as though most in our culture are quite used to saying
NO ROOM
At an hour in which the majority of people in our land were once gathered to worship the LORD, many are comfortable…in bed, on social media, watching tv, putting up Christmas decorations, or buying stuff. Several so-called experts have said a “regular church attendee” shows up once a month. Once a month! They can’t even make room for God for an hour a week. Can one hour a month be considered devotion?
Of course, I’m not saying church attendance is the gauge for making room in your heart for Jesus. Far from it! If anything, it’s simply the public expression of one’s faith on a regular basis. I’m obviously preaching to the choir since you’re listening to me, but
Is there room in your heart for Jesus?
Is there room tomorrow? Is there room throughout this week? Is there room throughout Advent…and beyond?
That’s asking a lot, right? Hardly! Jesus was asked later in the book of Luke what must be done to inherit eternal life.
He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)
That’s a lot! Jesus doesn’t want an hour on Sunday. He wants all of you! All your heart…soul, strength, and mind. He wants you to love others—even your enemies—as yourself. He wants nothing less than everything. All of you. Why? Because that’s what he gave you…all of himself. King Jesus left his throne for you. That’s not a half-hearted move. It’s not a passive, if it’s convenient maneuver. He gave everything for you…and he asks the same in return.
Earlier we sang,
Heaven's arches rang
When the angels sang
Proclaiming Thy royal degree
But in lowly birth
Didst Thou come to earth
And in great humility
He came in the most humble way possible…and stayed there. Paul wrote,
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
One time Jesus told a potential follower,
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58)
In other words, following Jesus offers no guarantees of a comfortable life…or even a roof over your head. This is surely what inspired verse three of our carol.
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
Our selfish, narcissistic culture seems to base everything around one question: how does it make me feel? If it makes me feel good, it must be true. If it requires any discomfort, any sacrifice, any inconvenience, any pain, it must be rejected.
I’m so glad Jesus didn’t take that approach. We would all be hopeless in a world of money, pleasure, and power-grabbing individuals with little regard for others.
Last week, Mykel asked why we celebrate Christmas. After all, the death and the resurrection are the highlight reel of Jesus’ life. Yet it all began with a baby in a manger, no crib for his bed.
Today we not only look at his birth, we consider in verse four his mission.
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
COMMUNION
The story of Jesus is not over. Far from it! Do you know how long eternity lasts?! Today in this season of Advent we remember those who waited expectedly for the Messiah about two thousand years ago. We also wait expectedly for his promised return.
When the heavens shall ring
And the angels 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
Is there room in your heart—in your life—for Jesus? He made room in his life for you.
Recommended resource: Make Room by Jonathan McReynolds
You can listen to this message and others at the First Alliance Church podcast here.
You can watch this video and others at the First Alliance Church Video Library here.
Series—Carols
Luke 2:1-7
Series Big Idea: Carols are the soundtrack of the season as we celebrate Advent.
Big Idea: Is there room in your life for the One who made room in his life for you?
I can remember it like it was yesterday. My wife and daughters flew from Detroit to Seattle on a red-eye which was delayed. It must’ve been around 3 AM when I drove our rental car to the hotel I had reserved—with a credit card—eager to catch some much-needed sleep before our two-hour drive to visit friends. I walked to the front desk to check-in when the person at the front desk said the two words no weary traveler wants to hear:
NO ROOM
I was shocked! After all, I had reserved a room! I had made payment—or at least a deposit—on a room. I was tired and cranky and I needed a room, not only for myself but my ladies. When I appealed, I was told
NO ROOM
What do you mean, no room? Surely you’ve got some place we can rest! I was told a room might be available around 10 AM if I wanted to check in for the next day and night. I didn’t need a room in seven hours! I needed one now!
Have you ever felt stuck between a rock and a hard place? I literally had no idea what to do at 3 in the morning on the other side of the country with a wife and two little girls, knowing our friends weren’t expecting us until 9 AM…six hours later. Did I mention I was tired and cranky?!
NO ROOM
Have you ever had a similar experience? Maybe it was trying to find a seat on the bus, a concert ticket, registering for a college class, or simply a parking spot.
NO ROOM
How did it make you feel?
Today we’re continuing our Advent series, Carols. We actually begin it last year at Christmastime and this year we have four new songs we’re examining. Actually, they’re not new, but rather quite old! Last week Mykel preached a great sermon based upon the theme of The People that in Darkness Sat. Today we’re exploring the scriptures behind the carol Thou Did’st Leave Thy Throne. The Shakespearean-sounding title alerts us that it’s hardly a new song, yet its lyrics are timeless.
Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
So begins this carol. It’s obviously speaking of Jesus, the King of kings. What would cause a king to leave his throne? Why would a king set aside his crown? Even though we’re quite unfamiliar with royalty—aside from the occasional gossip from England—the idea of a king stepping down seems remarkable. After all, many lust for power and will do just about anything to obtain it…or keep it. Yet our own nation’s history contains a brilliant account of one choosing to give up power.
George Washington faithfully served the United States until his resignation on December 23, 1783. When asked what Washington would do, King George III was told Washington would return to his farm, leading the king to famously declare, “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”
It takes a great person to willingly surrender power, and one even greater than Washington stepped down from a far greater position. As we sang last week,
Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
We could say, “Creator of the universe, You left heaven’s splendor to spend thirty-three years on this beautiful yet broken planet.”
Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown
Why? Did have nothing better to do? Was he bored with the entertainment options in heaven? Did Jesus get into an argument with the Father and the Holy Spirit and need a break?! Hardly!
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown, When Thou camest to earth for me
YOU are the reason Jesus left his throne! He came to earth for YOU! He made a special, rather-lengthy trip for YOU! What amazing love!
How far have you ever traveled for another person? We drove about twelve hours each way to visit family over Thanksgiving. That was a lot of time, gas, and effort to see my grandma, aunt, uncle, and my sister’s family, but it’s nothing like the journey Jesus made from heaven to earth. I know the story is familiar to most of you, but imagine making such a journey and hearing those two awful words
NO ROOM
But in Bethlehem's home was there found no room For Thy holy nativity.
Nativity simply refers to the birth of Jesus described in the gospels or “good news” of Matthew and Luke. Speaking of Mary, the New King James Version says,
And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7, NKJV)
NO ROOM
It’s worth noting they were not trying to get a room at the Holiday Inn! There are many myths and misunderstandings that have developed over the years about the birth of Jesus, not the least of which is this reference to an inn. The New Living Translation says, “There was no lodging available for them” and the NIV says, “There was no guest room available for them.”
Back in the day, people would live upstairs with animals on the ground floor. Although a manger is present, no animals are mentioned by Dr. Luke. The significance of the manger may not be much aside from it being a signpost given by the angel (a few verses later) to help the shepherds identify the Messiah.
To understand what’s happening, we need to go back to the beginning of this chapter.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. (Luke 2:1-3)
Every fourteen years, Rome took a census for tax and military purposes. Each Jewish male had to return to his father’s city. Imagine doing that today! It helps explain why the house was full, forcing the couple and their newborn downstairs.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (Luke 2:4-7)
NO ROOM
Joseph and Mary had traveled about ninety miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem…without a DVD player, a heater, or even a car! Imagine walking from here to the Cleveland airport. How imagine you arrive and you’re told
NO ROOM
Did I mention Mary was nine months pregnant? And that being an unwed mother was not exactly politically or socially correct?
I know God had His reasons, but the birth of Jesus has got to be one of the most unusual, counter-intuitive plans of the Almighty. Kings are born in palaces…or at least hospitals. What am I saying?! Kings don’t leave their thrones! Nobody chooses to be born on our planet, right?
Emily Elizabeth Steele Elliott (1836-1897) was born in Brighton, England. She was the daughter of an Anglican clergyman and the niece of Charlotte Elliott (1789-1871), the author of the famous hymn, “Just as I am.”
Emily published a collection of 48 hymns called Under the Pillow for those sick in hospitals, infirmaries, or at home. She wrote, “Thou didst leave thy throne” separately, however, to help children understand the meaning of the nativity—the birth of Christ—and Advent, this season of expectant waiting. After explaining the rejection of Jesus’ parents, she contrasts it with her own treatment of the Messiah.
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for Thee. Is there room in your heart for Jesus? You all know the right answer, especially on Sunday morning, but be honest. Is there room in your heart for Jesus? Is there room in your life for Jesus? Is there room in your calendar for Jesus?
It seems as though most in our culture are quite used to saying
NO ROOM
At an hour in which the majority of people in our land were once gathered to worship the LORD, many are comfortable…in bed, on social media, watching tv, putting up Christmas decorations, or buying stuff. Several so-called experts have said a “regular church attendee” shows up once a month. Once a month! They can’t even make room for God for an hour a week. Can one hour a month be considered devotion?
Of course, I’m not saying church attendance is the gauge for making room in your heart for Jesus. Far from it! If anything, it’s simply the public expression of one’s faith on a regular basis. I’m obviously preaching to the choir since you’re listening to me, but
Is there room in your heart for Jesus?
Is there room tomorrow? Is there room throughout this week? Is there room throughout Advent…and beyond?
That’s asking a lot, right? Hardly! Jesus was asked later in the book of Luke what must be done to inherit eternal life.
He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)
That’s a lot! Jesus doesn’t want an hour on Sunday. He wants all of you! All your heart…soul, strength, and mind. He wants you to love others—even your enemies—as yourself. He wants nothing less than everything. All of you. Why? Because that’s what he gave you…all of himself. King Jesus left his throne for you. That’s not a half-hearted move. It’s not a passive, if it’s convenient maneuver. He gave everything for you…and he asks the same in return.
Earlier we sang,
Heaven's arches rang
When the angels sang
Proclaiming Thy royal degree
But in lowly birth
Didst Thou come to earth
And in great humility
He came in the most humble way possible…and stayed there. Paul wrote,
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
One time Jesus told a potential follower,
Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58)
In other words, following Jesus offers no guarantees of a comfortable life…or even a roof over your head. This is surely what inspired verse three of our carol.
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
Our selfish, narcissistic culture seems to base everything around one question: how does it make me feel? If it makes me feel good, it must be true. If it requires any discomfort, any sacrifice, any inconvenience, any pain, it must be rejected.
I’m so glad Jesus didn’t take that approach. We would all be hopeless in a world of money, pleasure, and power-grabbing individuals with little regard for others.
Last week, Mykel asked why we celebrate Christmas. After all, the death and the resurrection are the highlight reel of Jesus’ life. Yet it all began with a baby in a manger, no crib for his bed.
Today we not only look at his birth, we consider in verse four his mission.
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
COMMUNION
The story of Jesus is not over. Far from it! Do you know how long eternity lasts?! Today in this season of Advent we remember those who waited expectedly for the Messiah about two thousand years ago. We also wait expectedly for his promised return.
When the heavens shall ring
And the angels 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
Is there room in your heart—in your life—for Jesus? He made room in his life for you.
Recommended resource: Make Room by Jonathan McReynolds
You can listen to this message and others at the First Alliance Church podcast here.
You can watch this video and others at the First Alliance Church Video Library here.