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More than 1900 years ago there was a Man born contrary to the laws of life. This Man lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He did not travel extensively. He possessed neither wealth nor influence. His relatives were inconspicuous, and had neither training nor formal education. In infancy, He startled a king; in childhood he puzzled doctors; in manhood he ruled the course of nature.

He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His service. He never wrote ...

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More than 1900 years ago there was a Man born contrary to the laws of life. This Man lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He did not travel extensively. He possessed neither wealth nor influence. His relatives were inconspicuous, and had neither training nor formal education. In infancy, He startled a king; in childhood he puzzled doctors; in manhood he ruled the course of nature.

He healed the multitudes without medicine and made no charge for His service. He never wrote a book and yet all the libraries of the country could not hold the books that have been written about Him. He never wrote a song and yet He has furnished the theme for more songs than all the songwriters combined. He never marshaled an army and yet no leader ever had more volunteers.

The names of the past proud statesmen, scientists, philosophers and theologians have come and gone; but the name of this Man abounds more and more. He stands on the highest pinnacle as the living Christ, both Lord and Savior. (Anonymous)

This living Christ, according to the writer of the book of Hebrews is superior:

Those of us who live where we have four seasons, understand and delight in the end of winter when we can again enjoy the "blooming garb of Spring."  We can revel in the sights, sound and smells of "the meadows, the woodlands…and the twinkling starry host." But, one can easily delight in the creation and forget the Creator as in the familiar quotation: "One is nearer the heart of God in a garden than anywhere else on earth."

In reality, though, one is closer to the heart of God when one is in the company of a "Christlike" person. And one is closest of all when joined to this "Beautiful Savior".

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There are several accounts as to the origin of the beautiful hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus." The best known legend is that it was sung by the twelfth century German Crusaders, as they made their long, weary way to the Holy Land. Another, more credible account is that it was sung by the followers of John Hus, who were driven out of Bohemia in 1620 in the anti-Reformation purge, who settled in Silesia, now part of Poland. They had to keep their faith secret, yet had a strong tradition of hymn sing...

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There are several accounts as to the origin of the beautiful hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus." The best known legend is that it was sung by the twelfth century German Crusaders, as they made their long, weary way to the Holy Land. Another, more credible account is that it was sung by the followers of John Hus, who were driven out of Bohemia in 1620 in the anti-Reformation purge, who settled in Silesia, now part of Poland. They had to keep their faith secret, yet had a strong tradition of hymn singing.

It is listed as attributed to the German Jesuits, who first published it in their Munster Gesangbuch in 1677. The words date back at least 15 years earlier, having been found in a manuscript dating back to 1662.

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