Homeschool tea time is such a beautiful way to connect with our children and adding the study and music of beautiful hymns is a wonderful way to pass an afternoon. Because of our affinity for both hymns and tea, we often have hymn themed tea times and are sharing our Just as I Am tea time with you.

Hymn Poetry Tea Time

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29

The perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, came to take our sins and to die in our place. We can come to Him just as we are, imperfect and flawed because He is our propitiation. Sharing the message of this wonderful hymn with our children is such a gift to us and to them.

The history of Just as I Am writer Charlotte Elliott

Charlotte Elliott, a Victorian hymn writer, was born in the south London district of Clapham in 1789 and raised in the evangelical arm of the Anglican Church by her family. Her grandfather was a famous evangelical preacher.

At just 32 years old, she suffered from an illness that left her disabled. Her mentor encouraged her to replace her anger with the peace of God and she turned her energy to the composing of hymns from that point forward.

Ms. Elliott became the editor of Christian Remembrance Pocket-Book (1834-1859) and published The Invalid’s Hymnbook. “Just as I Am” is her most famous hymn and is still used in many hymnals today. “Just as I Am” was written in 1834 and first published in 1835, then in the 1841 edition of The Invalid’s Hymn Book.

In 1834, Elliott moved to Brighton to live with her brother. One day when everyone in her family had gone to a church bazaar, Elliott was left alone, confined by her sickness. Though depressed with feelings of uselessness and loneliness, she recalled the message “Come to Christ just as you are,” which she had received from César Malan during the darkest period of her soul. She overcame her distress and penned this hymn.

Just As I Am

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot;
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt;
Fightings within, and fears without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind;
Yes, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just As I Am musical accompaniment 

Snacks for your Hymn Poetry Tea Time

Lamb Oreos Snack

Ingredients

1 (15.35 ounce) package Double Stuf Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

2 (11 ounce) packages white chocolate chips or candy melting wafers

1 (10 ounce) package black candy melting wafers

1 (3 ounce) container vanilla marshmallow bits

White nonpareil sprinkles

Heart sprinkles

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

2. Place white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. (It is recommended to only heat the contents of one bag at a time.) Heat on high for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until completely melted. Do not overheat as the chocolate will seize and become unusable. If the chocolate is too thick to pour, you can add coconut oil or vegetable shortening to the chocolate (1 teaspoon at a time) until you reach a pourable consistency.

3. Drop cookie into melted chocolate and turn to coat completely. Place cookie on a fork, tapping the fork gently against the side of the bowl, allowing excess chocolate to return to the bowl. If air bubbles form, pop them with a toothpick.

4. Slide the coated cookie onto the baking sheet. Using a clean piping tip to protect the middle of the cookie, sprinkle marshmallow bits over the cookie and press into place. Remove the piping quickly with a slight twist. Allow cookies to set completely before proceeding to the next step.

5. Melt black candy melts according to package directions. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top freezer bag with the corner snipped. Pour candy into the middle of the cookie to create the sheep face.

6. While the candy is wet, use sterilized tweezers and/or a toothpick to place the white nonpareils as eyes and a heart as the snout.

7. Allow cookie to set completely at room temperature or refrigerate for faster results. Store in an airtight container as room temperature.

And now you are all set for a wonderful Hymn Tea Time. What hymn should we do next? We’d love to have your ideas so share them in the comments below!