Avis Marguerite Burgeson Christiansen
Born: October 11, 1895, Chicago, Illinois.
Died: January 14, 1985, Chicago, Illinois.
Pseudonyms
Encouraged by her grandmother, a godly woman
who loved the music of the soul as expressed in verse, Avis wrote her first poem
at age ten. Then one Sunday morning in Moody Church, as she listened to a new
song by Harry Loes, the Lord reminded her that the talent entrusted to her
belonged to Him. Her immediate longing to express His love and blessing resulted
in two hymns. One of them, That Is Far Enough for Me, was quickly set to
music by Daniel Towner, then director of music for the Moody Bible Institute.
In 1917, Avis married Ernest C. Christiansen, who later
became vice president in charge of investments for Moody Bible Institute. In
spite of fulfilling the many duties of a busy homemaker, she continued to write
with unfailing zeal. In addition to her hymns, she published two books of
poetry:
In the foreword to her first book of poetry, the legendary pastor and author H. A. Ironside wrote:
Avis B. Christiansen is the gifted author of many of our sweetest gospel songs. By means of these her name is known around the world, for many of these delightful lyrics have been translated into various languages. She is a modest, retiring person whom few get to know beyond the circle of her immediate family and friends. With a very keen apprehension of spiritual realities, and a clear understanding of the great truths revealed in the Word of God, her hymns and poems are eminently Scriptural and soul-uplifting.
Hymns