Jesus Christ the Apple Tree facts for kids
Jesus Christ the Apple Tree is a well-known poem from the 1700s. It is also called Apple Tree or, in older versions, Christ Compared to an Apple-tree. Many people believe it was written to be sung as a carol. Over the years, several composers have set this poem to music. These include Jeremiah Ingalls, Elizabeth Poston, and John Rutter.
Contents
History of the Song
Early Publications and Authorship
The poem first appeared in print in August 1761. It was published in a magazine in London called Spiritual Magazine. The magazine said that "R.H." sent in the poem. Most experts now believe "R.H." was Reverend Richard Hutchins. He was a Calvinist Baptist minister living in Long Buckby, England, at that time.
Another early version of the poem was printed on a single sheet of paper. This kind of paper was called a broadsheet. We don't know exactly when this broadsheet was printed. However, it mentions "Methodists". This word started being used around 1730 at Oxford University. So, the broadsheet must have been printed after that time.
Journey to America
The song first appeared in a hymnal (a book of hymns) in America in 1784. This hymnal was called Divine Hymns, or Spiritual Songs. It was put together by Joshua Smith. He was a Baptist minister from New Hampshire.
After this, the song became very popular in America. However, it was not as common in England. Because of its popularity in America, some people thought an American had written it. But there is no proof of this.
Meaning and Symbolism
Jesus as the Apple Tree
The song uses the image of an apple tree to represent Jesus. This idea comes from the Bible. In the Song of Solomon 2:3, there is a verse about an apple tree. Many people believe this tree is a symbol for Jesus.
The song also connects to the idea of a "tree of life" found in the Bible. Jesus himself talked about his life being like a tree in Luke 13:18–19. You can also find this idea in other parts of the New Testament, like Revelation 22:1–2. The Old Testament, in the Book of Genesis, also mentions a tree of life.
Old English Traditions
Apple trees were very common in England. There was an old English tradition called wassailing. This involved wishing good health to apple trees on Christmas Eve. People would pour drinks or do other ceremonies. They hoped this would make the trees grow well and produce lots of fruit.
The song might have been written to connect these old traditions with Christian beliefs. It helped to "Christianize" or make these winter season songs about Jesus.
Modern Popularity
Today, choirs all over the world perform "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree". It is especially popular during the Christmas season as a Christmas carol.
Lyrics
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.
