You could have stepped into creation
With fire for all to see
Brought every tribe and nation to their knees
Arriving with the host of heaven
In royal robe and crown
The rulers of the earth all bowing down
But You chose meekness over majesty
Wrapped Your power in humanity
Glory be to You alone
King who reigns from a manger throne
My life, my praise, everything I own
To Jesus the King on a manger throne
You could have marched in all your glory
Into the heart of Rome
Showed them splendor like they'd never known
But You wrote a better story
In humble Bethlehem
Creator in the arms of common men
You will die for our redemption
And You'll rise so we can live
Glory be to You alone
King who reigns from a manger throne
My life, my praise, everything I own
To Jesus the King on a manger throne
From heaven to the cradle
From cradle to the cross
Let heaven and nature sing
This is our King
But the grave couldn't hold Him
Our God has overcome
Let Heaven and nature sing
This is our King
From heaven to the cradle
From cradle to the cross
Let heaven and nature sing
This is our King
But the grave couldn't hold Him
Our God has overcome
Let Heaven and nature sing
This is our King
All hail the King
All hail the King
All hail the King
Glory be to You alone
King who reigns from a manger throne
My life, my praise, everything I own
To Jesus the King on a manger throne
My life, my praise, everything I own
To Jesus the King on a manger throne
To Jesus the King on a manger throne
Phil Wickham - Manger Throne (Official Music Video)
Manger Throne Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Phil Wickham's song "Manger Throne" explores the profound paradox of Christ's birth and kingship. Released with an official music video on October 13, 2023, the song immediately draws the listener into a reflection on the humility of God becoming man. It contrasts the anticipated arrival of a conquering king, replete with fire, hosts of heaven, and bowing rulers, with the actual arrival in a manger in Bethlehem. This deliberate choice of meekness over majesty highlights the unique nature of God's power and love revealed in human form.
The core meaning of the song centers on the concept of the "manger throne," a symbolic representation of Christ's humble origins contrasting with His divine status as King. The lyrics describe how Jesus chose to wrap His power in humanity rather than arriving in earthly glory, opting for a simple birth among common people. This narrative culminates in His sacrifice for redemption and resurrection for eternal life, emphasizing that His path to kingship involved the cross and overcoming the grave, not worldly dominance. The song culminates in a declaration of praise and surrender to this King who reigned from such an unexpected place.
The themes presented in "Manger Throne" resonate deeply with various scripture passages. The humble birth in Bethlehem is chronicled in Luke 2:6-7, describing Mary laying the baby Jesus in a manger. The concept of Christ choosing humility despite His divine nature aligns with Philippians 2:5-8, which speaks of Jesus emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant. The ultimate sacrifice and resurrection, central to the song's narrative arc, are foundational biblical truths found throughout the Gospels and epistles, such as Romans 4:25, stating He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. The song encapsulates the journey from heaven to the cradle, cross, and ultimately, victory over the grave, celebrating Christ as King in all these stages.
