who’s the fairest of them all?

My sweet little people played in the snow on Saturday.  Enormous, thick, wet flakes accumulated in a hurry – and my children enjoyed every minute.  Pure heavenliness drifting  down from the silver sky…  creating a soft blanket of white.

It was beautiful, while it lasted.

I couldn’t help but think of this hymn, Fairest Lord Jesus, as I looked over the photos of my children in the snow…  Such breath taking beauty and still, my Jesus, He is fairer.  In fact, He is the fairest, and He will be eternally. Ever since I had the thought, my mind has been captured.

Often I choose to live my life as though He is nothing of the sort.  Many unworthy things divide my heart until I have barely any love or attention to give to anyone.  It is wrong, I know.  But, I confess. I am human and my heart is sinful.  I will never be able to love fully or perfectly until I am basking in the glow of His loving presence.

Is there hope for me here on this earth?  Of course, I can learn to love Him more deeply, while living here in this mortal body.  But, the eternal hope of unending, undying love is far greater.  And that is such a glorious thought.  Viewing nature in all of its loveliness and its grandeur on Saturday was a wonder-filled thing because I realized that one day I will be able to love Him best.

Forever all praise and glory will belong to Him, the Fairest One of All.

Fairest Lord Jesus.

Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.