HYMN DAY! “Children of the Heavenly Father” was originally written in Swedish by Caroline/Karolina Sandell-Berg, who was known as the “Fanny Crosby of Sweden.” After losing her beloved father in a drowning accident, she wrote hymns to cope with her heartache, and many of her 650 hymns were used in revival services. The words for this hymn were translated to English by Ernst Olson in 1850. I love this old hymn and its powerful, heart-touching words.

(You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1Le7-y9xVI )

1. Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.

2. God His own doth tend and nourish;
In His holy courts they flourish;
From all evil things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bears them.

3. Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.

4. Praise the Lord in joyful numbers:
Your Protector never slumbers;
At the will of your Defender
Every foeman must surrender.

5. Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.