Steve Green - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne Lyrics
Lyrics
O come, o come Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel.
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel,
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Come thou wisdom from on high,
And order all things far and nigh,
To us, the path of knowledge show,
And cause us in Thy way to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel,
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel,
Has come to thee, O Israel.
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.
O come to my heart Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for thee.
Video
Steve Green - O Come, O Come Emmanuel & Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
Meaning & Inspiration
Steve Green’s rendition of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne,” released on November 7, 2019, offers a profound meditation on the Incarnation, seamlessly weaving the ancient Advent hymn with a more personal devotional plea. This pairing is particularly potent because it bridges the corporate longing for the Messiah with an individual’s heartfelt invitation for Christ to dwell within. The core of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” speaks to a deep historical and spiritual yearning, a lament for the state of God’s people held captive by sin and exile, echoing the prophecies of Isaiah. The plea for Emmanuel, which translates to "God with us," underscores humanity's profound need for divine intervention and presence. This anticipation is not a passive waiting but an active desire for God to "order all things" and "show us Thy way," mirroring the prayer for divine guidance found throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 25:4-5: "Show me Your ways, Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and I hope for You all day long."
The transition to "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne" shifts the focus from the grand eschatological promise to the specific, humbling act of God becoming human. This section powerfully articulates the radical nature of the Incarnation – the King of Kings relinquishing His royal dignity, His "kingly crown," to enter the world in the most vulnerable of circumstances. The stark image of no room in Bethlehem’s inn, as depicted in the lyrics, serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity’s initial rejection and unpreparedness for the Savior. This resonates with John 1:11, which states, "He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him," yet it also highlights the enduring grace of God, who, despite this, "gave us the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).
The concluding plea, "O come to my heart Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for thee," transforms the universal hope into a deeply personal invitation. It’s an act of faith, recognizing that the Messiah, who came to ransom captive Israel, also comes to liberate individual souls. The repeated declaration of "room in my heart" signifies a willingness to surrender, to make space for His presence, and to align one's life with His will. This echoes the Apostle Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 3:17 to be "rooted and grounded in love" and to have Christ "dwell in your hearts through faith," emphasizing that true redemption involves a personal relationship and an open heart to receive Him. Steve Green’s performance imbues these lyrics with a sincerity and gravitas that encourages deep reflection on the ongoing significance of Christ’s coming, both historically and in the life of every believer.