Songs That Sustain Me – Fairest Lord Jesus

Greetings Dear Reader,

We do not know the true origin of this song.  The earliest record we have is in the seventeenth century.  It is known by at least three titles; Fairest Lord Jesus, Beautiful Saviour, and The Crusader’s Hymn.  Apparently it was originally German in origin and was translated later into English.   

No matter where it comes from it expresses a beauty for me that is unfathomable.  I can imagine someone on a journey through the pre-industrial world singing this as he moves through the beauty that is creation.  Knowing that Jesus is more beautiful than all the splendor of a world wrapped in the new life of spring is so sustaining.  It does make my heart sing even when it is filled with woe.

The Crusader’s Hymn

Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,

O Thou of God and man the Son,

Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,

Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,

Robed in the blooming garb of spring;

Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,

Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,

And all the twinkling starry host;

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer

Than all the angels heaven can boast.

All fairest beauty, heavenly and earthly,

Wondrously, Jesus is found in Thee;

None can be nearer, fairer or dearer,

Than Thou, my Savior, art to me.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor, praise, adoration,

Now and forever more be Thine.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."