The Bishop's Christmastide Reflections

Jesus Christ the Apple Tree was first published in 1784 in Divine Hymns, Or Spiritual Songs compiled by Joshua Smith, a lay Baptist minister from New Hampshire. The tune composed by Elizabeth Poston has become a much beloved setting of the carol, which draws on the scriptural images of the apple tree in The Song of Solomon and Revelation’s tree of life. Yet even without those images in mind, those who live in areas where the apple tree is common can readily see in it attributes of our Redeemer: laden with fruit given to all, the glory of God revealed in spring’s blossoms, refreshment from heat found in its shade or where one can rest at the end of a long day.

Not unlike the voice of one crying in the wilderness, the carol ends with two verses overflowing with a clarion call, the 

Hear the carol at  //www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm3fZDZxiko

hope of the Incarnation:Ms. Poston’s tune seems to me most complete when a child tenor begins and ends the carol. The

combination of simplicity, strength and gentleness is balm to my soul. The combination of simplicity, strength and gentleness is balm to my soul. But perhaps most of all, it is the clear, single voice, cutting through the cacophony of distractions – particularly the multitude of false assurances that happiness springs forth from possessions and one’s worth is found in things – that is most powerful and what I most need.

I’ll sit and eat this truth divine,
It cheers my heart like spiritual wine; 
And now this fruit is sweet to me,
That grows on 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.                                                                                                            

                                                                                                    

My beloved sisters and brothers, may this Christmastide fill us with an abundance of hope and love. May the fruits of our hearts and lives, and the mission of our congregations, flow through our communities, diocese and Commonwealth. Let us live boldly and courageously with a desire to seek the newborn King in the hearts of all people, and serve the Holy Child in each person created in his image. Comfort and joy is found in serving others, for the Lord Jesus came not to be served, but to serve.

Linda Sue, Timothy and Rebekah join me in wishing you and those you love a most blessed and festive Twelve Days of Christmas!

Faithfully yours in Christ, with affection,

+Terry