This past weekend, while browsing through our family-favorite calendar, I was immensely blessed by one of the hymns that I saw. At first, it simply reminded me of a young choir we heard sing it once, stirring up memories of their gorgeous harmony and heart-felt expression.

But as it kept coming to mind throughout the day, I had to look it up to complete the fragments that kept ending abruptly in my brain.

It was then that I fully realized what the LORD had for me in this lovely old hymn. Among many other things, it struck me that the message communicated through the lyrics make this song very appropriate for the week of Christmas, especially having very recently walked through the passing of a dear member of our extended family. Faced again with the reality of death, the nearness of eternity, and the urgency of living each moment for the glory of our King… we are all seeing this Christmas season from a slightly different perspective. And in a society where the true meaning of the season has been belittled until, in many places, it is non-existent, this song contains much-needed truth.

Take the World, but Give Me Jesus
Fanny J. Crosby

Take the world, but give me Jesus, all it’s joys are but a name;
But His love abideth ever, through eternal years the same.
Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption, pledge of endless life above.

Take the world, but give me Jesus, sweetest comfort of my soul;
With my Savior watching o’er me, I can sing while billows roll.
Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption, pledge of endless life above.

Take the world, but give me Jesus, let me view His constant smile;
Then throughout my pilgrim journey light will cheer me all the while.
Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption, pledge of endless life above.

Take the world, but give me Jesus, in His cross my trust shall be;
Till, with clearer, brighter vision, face to face my LORD I see.
Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love!
Oh, the fullness of redemption, pledge of endless life above.

What a JOY to be gathered with dear family to celebrate the coming of our Savior to this world. What a blessing to be able to express love to others through giving. What a treasure to be able to enjoy the sights and smells of the season. Christmas is such a beautiful time of the year, and each special moment is truly a gift of God to be enjoyed to the fullest.

But within the depths of our hearts, “take the world, but give me Jesus…” should be our cry. Emmanuel – God with us – was manifest that we might know the height and depth of His mercy, the length and breadth of His love, the fullness of His redemption, the promise of life above…

This Christmas season, may our hearts respond to this abundant, fathomless GIFT by asking for more… of Him.