A Descended GodSample

The Epic Sacrifice of Jesus

The year was 1864. Emily Elliot was 28 years old and had already spent significant time investing her life in children; she wanted them to know and understand the deepest truths about God.

Emily was also a poet and had seen how poetry could be a powerful tool for communicating the truth of Jesus in memorable ways. Her aunt was Charlotte Elliot, who wrote “Just As I Am,” a hymn later made famous in the 20th century by Billy Graham’s use during evangelistic rallies.

Emily had already written over fifty songs before she set her pen to write a song about the Nativity story. She wrote the Christmas hymn, “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne,” for the children and the choir in her father’s church in Brighton, England.

This week, we will examine this Christmas song verse by verse. Emily’s poetry is beautiful as she sings about our great master, Jesus Christ.

There is no one else like Jesus. He is the most powerful, the most holy, the most inspirational, and the most interesting Person anyone could ever meet.

And while all these characteristics make the worship of Him absolutely appropriate, His astounding act of sacrifice rises above them all.

He did what none of us could ever do. In fact, His sacrifice was so paramount that even trying to mimic it in the smallest ways leaves us struggling. But imitation is what the Christian life is all about (Ephesians 5:1). We are to be “little Christs” or “Christians.” We were made in God's image and are being transformed into Christ's (2 Corinthians 3:18).

As we look at this Christmas hymn this week and its heartfelt and simple description of Jesus, may we reflect Him more in our lives.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there is no one like You. Help me as I seek to model my life after You. I want to be like You. I want to reflect You in every way I can. I can only do this as You fill me with Your Spirit. I’m all Yours! Amen.

Reflection: Are you prepared to fully celebrate and remember the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into the world? What do you need to set aside in order to be fully present in the experience of His Nativity this Christmas season?