Lay Down Your Crowns

By David Faust

Unless you’re Miss America, the king or queen of England, or a kid at Burger King, you probably never wear a crown. But we all understand that a crown symbolizes royalty, authority, honor, and victory.  

In Greek Orthodox churches and other traditions, brides and grooms wear crowns at weddings. Proverbs 12:4 says, “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown” (New International Version). Song of Songs 3:11 mentions a crown worn by King Solomon, “the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced.”  

Our Crowns  

We all have crowns; we just don’t wear them on our heads. Do you own any diplomas, certificates, plaques, or photos that celebrate your achievements? Are there proud moments and accomplishments you treasure in your heart?  

In ancient times, winners of athletic contests were awarded wreaths or garlands made of flowers and olive leaves. The apostle Paul mentions this kind of crown (Greek stephanos) when he says some engage in self-discipline “to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25).  

James 1:12 promises that those who persevere “will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” The Lord says, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown” (Revelation 2:10).  

Paul anticipated receiving “the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day” (2 Timothy 4:8). Peter assured faithful elders they will receive “the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4). 

Jesus’ Crowns 

During the crucifixion, soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head to mock the idea of his kingship (Matthew 27:29; John 19:2). This painful crown reminds us of his humility and sacrifice.  

Near the end of the Bible, however, John describes the glorified Christ by writing, “His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns” (Revelation 19:12). This time the crowns are called diadems (Greek diademata) that depict his royal authority as King of kings. 

Surrendered Crowns 

In Revelation, John receives an unfiltered glimpse of worship in heaven that includes four “living creatures” and 24 elders, who apparently represent all of God’s covenant people from Old and New Testament times (the 12 tribes of Israel plus the 12 apostles).  

Revelation 4:8-11 shows that in heaven, worship never stops. “Day and night they never cease to say . . .” (v. 8). We should live in constant awe of God’s holiness, letting reverence for him shape our actions, thoughts, and words. The triple “holy, holy, holy” (v. 8) emphasizes God’s purity and perfection. He is set apart from creation and sin. His holiness motivates us to pursue transformation and live holy lives. The expression “who was and is and is to come” (v. 8) shows that God rules over the past, present, and future. In uncertain times, he remains steady and sovereign, the same yesterday, today, and forever. He reigns over history and our individual circumstances.  

The heavenly beings give God “glory and honor and thanks” (v. 9). When we worship God, humble thanksgiving replaces selfish pride. The declaration “for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (v. 11) reminds us that God is our Creator and sustainer.  

And notice: The elders “lay their crowns before the throne” (v. 10), casting their symbols of honor at the feet of the King.  

In worship, we surrender our success, status, and self-importance and lay our crowns at the feet of the Word who became flesh—who laid down his heavenly crown and traded it for earthly suffering. “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). 

During this Christmas season, let’s bow in self-abandoned surrender and confess that every honor, accomplishment, and triumph we possess comes from the Lord, who alone deserves the glory.  

“O come, let us adore him,” and cast our crowns at the Savior’s feet. 

David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91^st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Unquenchable Faith.