Our Blessed Redeemer

Avis Burgeson avoided the limelight. Encouraged by her grandmother, she began writing poems when she was just ten. Born in Chicago on this day in 1895, she married Ernest Christiansen who later became a vice president of Moody Bible Institute. Avis kept writing throughout her lifetime. Before her death in 1985, she had written many hymns and published two books of poetry.

One day while listening to a sermon on the subject of Christ’s atonement entitled “Blessed Redeemer,” Harry Dixon Loes, a well-known hymn writer, was inspired to compose a tune that felt appropriate. But the tune needed words.

He turned to Avis, sending her the melody with the suggested title, asking her to write lyrics. She accepted the challenge, and the resulting hymn proved a great blessing. Worshipers have been moved by the hymn’s heart-felt sincerity since then.

Avis described the scene as Jesus walked up Calvary. Ahead was the horror of the cross that He faced for sinners, “that He might save them from endless loss.”

Amazingly, even as He was dying, Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them!” Avis sensed He was motivated by love. She could only respond, “Oh, how I love Him, Savior and Friend, how can my praises ever find end!”

For her this was personal. Jesus was her “Blessèd Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!” He wasn’t just dying for sinners in general. He was “dying for me!”

Yes, He was dying for you, too!