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 Appletree.
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 Appletree.
I’m weary with my former toil –
Here I will sit and rest awhile,
Under the shadow I will be,
Of Jesus Christ the Appletree.
With great delight I’ll make my stay,
There’s none shall fright my soul away;
Among the sons of men I see
There’s none like Christ the Appletree
I’ll sit and eat this fruit divine,
It cheers my heart like spirit’al wine;
And now this fruit is sweet to me,
That grows on Christ the Appletree.
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 Appletree.
Written & B.H.
Historical Context: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” is an 18th-century poem, first published in London’s Spiritual Magazine in August 1761. The poem was submitted by “R.H.,” believed to be Reverend Richard Hutchins, a Calvinist Baptist minister from Northamptonshire, England. The poem uses the metaphor of an apple tree to represent Jesus Christ, highlighting His beauty and the spiritual nourishment He provides. Over time, this poem has been set to music by various composers and is often performed as a carol during the Christmas season.
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Beautiful poem. I can identify with the author’s sentiments. I’ve seen much pain in my life but through the Savior’s love for me and carrying me when I couldn’t walk on my own, I have faith to face the dawn each day.