Favorite Carol

My favorite Christmas carol is one that isn’t often sung. I have a special memory attached to it.

Years ago we were living outside of Dallas and we were preparing for Christmas away from family. And of all things my husband decided he would leave to go hunting with James Robison on Christmas afternoon. I was beside myself – I did not grow up in a hunting family so the idea that he would leave the children and me to hunt was appalling. After I got over the shock, I got mad. Then I began to feel sorry for myself.

I begged. Pleaded. Nothing changed his mind. And sure enough he left Christmas afternoon as planned. (I have forgiven James, by the way!)

The afternoon dragged on…I cleaned up the mess and dinner dishes. Fuming!

Once the children were in bed I sat down to write thank you notes as I watched a Christmas movie on TV – some sappy thing about love and family. I was more miserable than ever!

The house got really quiet as the night wore on. I was feeling lonely. To cheer myself, I sat at the piano and began to plunk out Christmas hymns. (I do not play the piano and with some effort can find notes…so it was indeed, “plunking!)

I plunked out: Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne and the Presence of God filled my living room. My heart was filled with joy and love. My heart welled up with gratitude as tears slid down my cheeks. I worshipped. And though the circumstances were not as I wanted them to be – God met me in a precious way. He turned my sullen heart into His throne room. I have remembered it tenderly all these years.

These are the precious words to the hymn:

“Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home there was found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
O Come to my heart Lord Jesus
There is room in my heart for Thee.

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.
O come to my heart Lord Jesus
There is room in my heart for Thee.

The foxes found rest, and the birds their nest
In the shade of the forest tree;
But Thy couch was the sod,
Oh Thou Son of God,
In the deserts of Galilee.
O come to my heart Lord Jesus
There is room in my heart for Thee.

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.
O come to my heart Lord Jesus
There is room in my heart for Thee.

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.”
my heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus,
When Thou comest and callest for me!”

I look forward to the day when He calls my name and I will see Him face to face!

How ’bout you? Will you give Him room in your heart today?

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

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