Meekness and Majesty
Theology & Meaning
Graham Kendrick's 1986 hymn is a sustained meditation on the Incarnational paradox — that the same Person who is in his nature God, majestic and mighty, chose to be born in humility, live in obscurity, and die in shame. Each verse presents a new facet of this paradox: meekness and majesty, wisdom and wonder, lord of eternity living as a servant. The theological source is Philippians 2:5-11's kenotic passage, the greatest statement in Scripture of the self-emptying of the Son for the sake of sinners. Kendrick's waltz-time feel gives the song a sense of wonder and motion appropriate to the mystery it describes.
Worship Leadership Tips
Meekness and Majesty is one of the finest Advent and Christmas Eve hymns in the modern tradition, though its Christological depth makes it appropriate throughout the year for any service focused on the person of Christ. Use it in series on Philippians 2, on the Incarnation, or in any service where you want the congregation to recover their wonder at who Jesus is. It is particularly powerful in Holy Week when the 'servant' theme of Philippians 2 connects the Incarnation to the cross.
Arrangement Tips
The 3/4 waltz time is essential to the song's character — a gentle, wondering quality that suits both the intimacy of the manger and the majesty of the cosmic reality it contains. Piano or acoustic guitar with a flowing feel; avoid rigid, metronome-like percussion that flattens the waltz. Graham Kendrick's recordings are the definitive reference. Contemporary settings in 4/4 exist but they lose some of the song's distinctive wonder. If introducing this hymn to a congregation, lead a single verse and chorus first before inviting congregational participation.
Scripture References
- Philippians 2:5-11
- John 1:14
- Isaiah 53:2-3
- Hebrews 1:3