December 29, 2014 reprint

The year is slipping away even though I am holding on by my fingernails and digging in my heels.  They are screeching like fingernails across a chalkboard.  Shiver me timbers!  I. Must. Let. Go.  But I'm not ready to let the Christmas season go.  How about you?  The needles aren't falling off my artificial tree quite yet.  There's still room in my heart for the blessed nativity.

"He came to that which was His own, 

but His own did not receive Him."

John 1:11

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

"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 in lowly birth 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,

O 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 heavens shall ring and her choir shall 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 calleth for me."

Emily E. S. Elliott, 1846