Christ Jesus…being in very nature God…made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.
Philippians 2:6–7
Words: Emily E. Elliott, 1864. This hymn was first used at St. Mark’s Church, Brighton, England, where Elliott’s father was rector. In 1870, it appeared in the Church Missionary Juvenile Instructor, which Elliott edited.
Music: Margaret Timothy R. Matthews, 1876 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Elliott (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Matthews,
Thou didst leave Thy throne
And Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home
Was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity.
Refrain
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 of lowly birth didst
Thou come to earth,
And in great humility.
Refrain
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.
Refrain
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.
Refrain
When the heavens shall ring,
And the angels 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 callest for me.