Many years ago I sang in the choir at St David’s Cathedral. It helped give me a love for music which has stayed with me. Among the Christmas delights we enjoyed was an old poem set to music by Elizabeth Poston. It’s called “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” – a strange title when you first hear it, but one which has lingered in my mind and grows as you reflect on the simple words. Catch it on Youtube, sung by, among others, the choir of King’s College Cambridge in 2009. Relax, reflect, enjoy…
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.
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.
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.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.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.
From “Divine Hymns or Spiritual Songs”, compiled by Joshua Smith 1784
