A sweet spirit

 This evening, as we began our FHE (Family Home Evening), Aaron chose this hymn out of the Children’s Hymn Book to be our opening hymn. I had heard this several times before, but tonight, I really heard it for the first time. As the keys of the piano picked out the notes of this simple tune, Aaron and I, our voices blended, sang the words you see below. 

As we learned to sing this hymn over and over again, a sweet spirit permeated the room, and I believe my soul longed for a glimpse of what it might be like to be near Jesus, who shines brighter than all the stars in heaven above.

I looked over at my dear husband, who was singing this sweet hymn with such devotion as he led our small family of two in prayer, and my heart overflowed with gratitude for the blessing that he is to me. Time stood still, and I felt peace flood my being.

Click here for the music and feel free to sing along. 

Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer the moonlight
And all the stars in heav’n above;
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer
And brings to all the world his love.

Fair are the meadows,
Fairer the woodlands,
Robed in the flowers of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer.
He makes the sorrowing spirit sing.

Beautiful Savior!
Lord of the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Thee will I honor, praise, and give glory,
Give praise and glory evermore!
Evermore!