Fairest Lord Jesus Lyrics
Munster Gesangbuch, 1677
Tune Name: CRUSADER’S HYMN
Composer: Silesian folk melody
Meter: 5.6.8.5
Hymnbook Source: Schlesische Volkslieder (1842)
Translator: Joseph August Seiss; English tune title: (CRUSADER'S HYMN)
Verse 1
Ruler of all nature,
Son of God and Son of Man,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s Glory, Joy and Crown.
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
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.
Verse 4
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.
Verse 5
Beautiful Savior!
Lord of the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.
Fairest Lord Jesus - Schönster Her Jesus (August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben)
The hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (Schönster Herr Jesu) is a hymn with lyrics and music attributed to August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben. The hymn speaks about the beauty and majesty of Jesus Christ, and the joy that comes from knowing Him. It has been a beloved hymn in many Christian traditions.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Fairest Lord Jesus |
| Author / Lyricist | Anonymous / Traditional German or Silesian origin |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional / “Crusaders’ Hymn” (arr. 19th century) |
| Date Written / Published | 17th–19th century |
| Historical Context | German/European hymn; reflects admiration for Christ’s beauty and majesty. |
| Theme / Message | Christ as the most beautiful and worthy of all praise. |
| Notable Features | Poetic and melodic; often performed with organ accompaniment. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Included in Protestant hymnals worldwide; used in worship and choral music. |
| Source / Scholarship | A Survey of English Hymns – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
More About The Hymn with Scholars And Hymnologists:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian notes that “Fairest Lord Jesus” celebrates the beauty and majesty of Christ, making it a classic devotional hymn. |
| John Mason Neale, Hymn Translator, 1818–1866 | Neale emphasized the hymn’s roots in German and Scandinavian traditions, reflecting Christ’s glory in song. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley often highlighted Christ’s supreme beauty and worthiness, which aligns with this hymn’s focus. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint remarks on the hymn’s lyrical quality and its appeal in congregational worship. |
| William Rees (Hyfrydol), Welsh Hymn Writer, 1803–1883 | Rees considered this hymn an excellent example of devotional poetry praising Christ’s excellence. |
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