The song “How Many Kings” by DownHere is one of my favorite Christmas songs because of the deep reflection the words inspire in me. I expect that most of you have not necessarily heard the song and wouldn’t consider it a Christmas classic, but I invite you to dive into the lyrics with me, and I pray that this song may bring a new light of meaning into your Christmas season. 

Verses one and two read:

“Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe, after all we’ve projected,

A child in a manger?

Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother’s shawl

Just a child 

Is this who we’ve waited for?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior

All that we have, whether costly or meek

Because we believe

Gold for his honor, and frankincense his pleasure

And myrrh for the cross he will suffer

Do you believe?

Is this who we’ve waited for?”

The words paint a picture of the birth of Jesus, a lowly sight, and ask with wonder “Is this who we’ve waited for?” Could this little baby in a shawl and a stable really be the King? The one Son of God? Of course, we do know that it is he, but we can enter into reflective wonder at his humble birth. Most celebrate Christmas with gifts-giving gifts to those we love, friends and family members. But a better question is what can we bring to God. What can we give to Him this Christmas? The lyrics call us to bring him all that we have, no matter whether it may be costly or meek. You can ask yourself, what will I bring to Jesus this advent season? How might I give Him my heart or my trust more completely. How could I praise Him better? 

The part of the song that means the most to me is the chorus full of questions. It is as follows:

“Cause how many kings step down from their thrones

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

And how many gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that is torn all apart

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only one did that for me”

I encourage you to take time to contemplate and internalize these truths. In coming down to earth, Jesus the King stepped down from his throne for you. He abandoned his home in Heaven for you. He, the greatest, became the least for you. God poured out his heart on us by sending his Son to be born on earth, all because he loved you and I and our entire torn, broken world. God our Father gave up his one and only son for you. These truths gain such great meaning all because Jesus came to earth. The depth of Jesus’s love is made apparent in the tremendous sacrifice he took just to be born as a baby on earth. This Christmas season my prayer is that you may enjoy the time to be able to experience God’s love for you, and realize how much He did for you in His birth.