A little Christmas magnificence

Thank you to my friend Roz in the UK for tuning me into this rendition of one of my very favorite Christmas hymns. For some reason, it makes me cry a little (but not out of sadness!) each time I hear it. This version is from the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge, ca. 1993. It’s truly beautiful. I’ve posted lyrics below for those unfamiliar with it.

Jesus Christ The Apple Tree

From Divine Hymns or Spiritual Songs,
compiled by Joshua Smith, New Hampshire, 1784

Tune by Elizabeth Poston, 1905-1987

1. The tree of life my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit and always green:
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the apple tree.

2. His beauty doth all things excel:
By faith I know, but ne’er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the apple tree.

3. For happiness I long have sought,
And pleasure dearly I have bought:
I missed of all; but now I see
‘Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

4. I’m weary with my former toil,
Here I will sit and rest awhile:
Under the shadow I will be,
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

5. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.

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