Spirit: Listening to Music I Enjoy
Last Sunday at church, we heard this absolute gem of a song. It was the first time I had heard it. At first glance, the title didn't impress me much... Then I read the words... Then the choir started singing...
It was breathtaking! The ethereal melodies and celestial harmonies seemed to lift the soul heavenward, pointing the way to God. The words also simply and beautifully painted a picture of who Jesus is, fitting my standard of a good song: the triumvirate of melody, harmony, and lyrics.
The original poem was written by an unknown New England author in the 18th century, and has been set to music more than once. This particular setting is by Elizabeth Poston, who exquisitely captures the essence of the verse.
The connection between the apple tree of the poem, and the Tree of Life of the Bible, allows for some wonderfully expressive lines. The most abundant of fruit trees cannot compare to Jesus Christ, the Lord of Nature, the giver of life to all things. He invites us to come rest in His shade when we are weary. He invigorates our faith. This imagery is beautifully portrayed in the poem, which can be read below.
Truly, "this is what heaven is supposed to sound like."
(originally attributed to this song)
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.
*Side note: my favorite version of this song (on youtube) is here.
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