CHRISTMAS EVE: APPLE TREE

JESUS CHRIST IS BORN!

“As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons.” Song of Songs 2:3

This Christmas Eve we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ the Apple Tree! Where Eden’s forbidden fruit brought shame, alienation and death, the Tree of Life generously offers healing, shelter, satisfaction and redemption through Christ’s Incarnation. “On either side of the river, the Tree of Life… and the leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2)

Pause for a moment on this holy night. Listen to the early American tune, simple and lyrical, yet profound in wisdom, as sung by our friends Lauren and Daniel Goans of Lowland Hum. Imagine yourself tucked under a leafing tree laden with fragrant apples. Savor the delight of Jesus’ presence with you. What would it feel like to share an apple with the Christ child?

Image: “The Virgin and Child Under the Apple Tree", Lucas Cranach, c 1530s. In the public domain.

"Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" 18th century carol 

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 Apple Tree.

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.

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.

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.