Come to Jesus Now

Come to Jesus Now was written May 2, 1932 by Mrs. Lillie M. Jackson. She wrote both the words and music. It was published in 1934 in The Colored Sacred Harp, on page 65.

Mrs. Lillie M. Jackson was the wife of Joseph A. Jackson, and was the daughter-in-law of Judge Jackson, the compiler of the song book. It appeals to come to Jesus “while you are young.”

Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Come to Jesus, come today,
Oh, come while you are young;
Jesus he is calling now,
Come to Him, yes come my friend
Oh, come while Jesus calls;
Jesus bids you come to Him.
Jesus stands and pleads for you,
Children, come to Jesus.

The Colored Sacred Harp was first published in 1934, Judge Jackson of Dale County, Alabama, with help from Bishop J. B. Walker. The collection contains 77 shape-note songs, composed by Black singers in southeast Alabama (with the exception of B. F. Faust).

Judge Jackson was born March 12, 1883 in Montgomery County, to Aaron and Silvy Jackson. In 1902 he married Lela C. Campbell. They had 12 children. Several of his family members contributed to The Colored Sacred Harp: Dovie D. Jackson Reese, Emma Mae Jackson McKenzie, Pauline Jackson Driggs, John C. Jackson, Joseph A. Jackson, and Samuel W. Jackson. Daughter-in-law Lillie and son-in-law E. D. McKenzie contributed one song each.

Lillie Mae Bryant was the daughter of Edmond and Minnie Lubele (nee Hearn) Bryant. She was born in Jackson County, Florida, 1913, She married Joseph A. Jackson around 1931. They had at least five children. At some point they moved to the Cleveland area of Ohio. Joseph and Lillie M. both died while living there, but they are buried in the Johntown Cemetery in Dale County, Alabama. Lillie died January 15, 1988.

Listen to the song here: COME TO JESUS NOW.