Sovereign Grace Music - Prepare Him Room Lyrics
Released: 29 Sep 2014
Lyrics
VERSE 1
O behold, the mystery now unfolds
See the star shine on the virgin foretold
Angels sing and light up the sky
Hope rings out in a newborn’s cry
Swing wide, you ancient gates
For Christ is born today!
CHORUS
Prepare Him room
Prepare Him room
Let the King of glory enter in
VERSE 2
God with us, the promise has come to be
This, the one the prophets were longing to see
In the darkness a blazing light
To the hungry the words of life
His kingdom now is near
For those with ears to hear
VERSE 3
Oh, our hearts, as busy as Bethlehem
Hear Him knock, don’t say there’s no room in the inn
Through the cradle, cross, and grave
See the love of God displayed
Now He’s risen and He reigns
Praise the Name above all names!
Video
Prepare Him Room - Sovereign Grace
Meaning & Inspiration
On September 29, 2014, Sovereign Grace Music released their album *Prepare Him Room: Celebrating the Birth of Jesus in Song*, and from it emerged the powerful and poignant title track, "Prepare Him Room." This song immediately immerses the spirit in the profound wonder of Advent, offering far more than a simple carol; it serves as a lyrical theology, carefully unwrapping the glorious mystery of Christ's birth with reverence and an urgent call to the soul.
The song’s narrative begins by pulling back the curtain on the biblical account of the Incarnation, inviting us to "behold, the mystery now unfolds." We are transported to that sacred night, witnessing the star's guiding light, the fulfillment of prophecy concerning a virgin mother (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23), and the heavens ablaze with angelic declarations (Luke 2:13-14). The infant’s cry, the very sound of "hope rings out," anchors this divine event in tangible reality. The line, "Swing wide, you ancient gates, for Christ is born today!" is a profound echo of Psalm 24:7-10, where the psalmist calls for the gates to open for the King of Glory, beautifully foreshadowing the majestic arrival of Jesus not just in Bethlehem, but into the world as its rightful sovereign. This sets the stage for the recurring and central command of the chorus: "Prepare Him room, let the King of glory enter in," a direct and deeply personal invitation to make space for Christ.
Moving into the second verse, the lyrics deepen the theological resonance by affirming, "God with us, the promise has come to be." This directly invokes the name Emmanuel, given in Matthew 1:23, signifying the very presence of God among humanity. The song reflects on the yearning of prophets who longed to witness this fulfillment (1 Peter 1:10-12), recognizing Jesus as the blazing light promised to those in darkness (Isaiah 9:2, John 1:4-5, John 8:12) and the source of life-giving words for the hungry (John 6:35, Matthew 4:4). The declaration, "His kingdom now is near, for those with ears to hear," reinforces the immediate spiritual reality Christ inaugurated (Mark 1:15), emphasizing that His reign is not merely a future hope, but a present truth available to all who truly listen and respond.
The third verse offers a stirring application, shifting from historical narrative to a direct address to our contemporary lives. The poignant comparison, "Oh, our hearts, as busy as Bethlehem," instantly brings to mind the crowded inn that had no room for the Holy Family (Luke 2:7). This serves as a powerful cautionary reminder, challenging us not to allow the busyness and distractions of our own lives to deny Christ entry when He "knocks" (Revelation 3:20). The song then masterfully expands the scope of Christ’s mission, moving beyond the manger to encompass the entirety of God's redemptive plan: "Through the cradle, cross, and grave, see the love of God displayed." This concise summary highlights the profound journey of Christ from incarnation to atonement and resurrection (Romans 5:8, John 3:16), revealing the breadth of divine love for humanity. It culminates in a triumphant affirmation: "Now He’s risen and He reigns, praise the Name above all names!" a joyous declaration echoing Philippians 2:9-11, recognizing His ultimate victory and sovereign authority, calling all creation to worship Him.
"Prepare Him Room" is a truly inspired piece of worship that deftly weaves together historical narrative, prophetic fulfillment, and deeply personal application. It stands as a timeless reminder that the Christmas story is not just a recounting of past events, but an ongoing invitation for Christ to take His rightful place in our lives. The song’s strength lies in its ability to move beyond sentimentality, anchoring itself firmly in Scripture, presenting a holistic view of Christ’s saving work from birth to reign. It encourages a reflective posture, prompting us to examine our own spiritual landscape and actively create space for the King of Glory, not just during the holiday season, but in every moment of our existence. This song is more than an anthem for Advent; it is a profound declaration of faith and a moving call to worship that resonates with eternal truth.