Fairest Lord Jesus

MÜNSTER GESANGBUCH, 1677

Stanzas 1–3 translator unknown, 1850

Stanza 4 translated by Joseph A. Seiss, 1873

Fairest Lord Jesus!

Ruler of all nature,

O Thou of God

And man the Son!

Thee will I cherish,

Thee will I honor,

Thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown!

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.

Fair is the sunshine,

Fairer still the moonlight,

And all the twinkling starry host:

Jesus shines brighter,

Jesus shines purer,

Than all the angels heav’n can boast.

Beautiful Savior!

Lord of the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor,

Praise, adoration,

Now and forevermore be Thine!