Jesus Christ the Apple Tree

• Composer: Andrew Carter 
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Cat No: W156
• Canadian Work: No

Conductor Notes:

The most famous setting of the text, of course, is by Elizabeth Poston for mixed choir a cappella. Carter’s charming setting his own original music. Not strictly a Christmas text, we have performed this in a Christmas concert. For choir and harp or piano.

References:

This lists any discs, concerts or collections where this piece is included.

Collections:

• Christmas Music
• Sacred Music other than Christmas

Concerts:

• Chez Nous: Christmas with Elektra (2006)

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.