“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven . . . Let the little children come to Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:4, 19:14

The hymn “Fairest Lord Jesus” is one of the oldest songs we sing in worship and was written some four hundred years ago. “Fairest Lord Jesus” was originally penned to be a hymn for children.

Children were special to the Lord Jesus. One view of Heaven is that it is full of children because children are humble. Heaven is where everyone is humble and where all the glory goes to God. There is no competition, rivalry, or argument in Heaven. We are all child-like in spirit. We will all be like children.

Children are totally dependent. We need to learn and practice complete faith in and dependence upon God our Father.

Children are forgiving and loving. Children are good forgivers. We should be, too.

Children love to laugh. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22 We should remember that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Humility, dependence, forgiveness, love, and joy – These are the qualities of children. Our Saviour told us to be “as little children.” Read this hymn, sing this hymn with the heart of a child.

“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 heav’n can boast.

Beautiful Saviour, Lord of all nations,

Son of God and Son of Man! Glory and honor,

Praise, adoration, Now and forevermore be Thine!