Fairest Lord Jesus

Jonathan Anderson • September 29, 2025

“Fairest Lord Jesus” is a hymn that praises Christ not just for what He’s done, but for who He is. It compares His beauty, purity, and glory to everything else we might admire — nature, kings, even angels — and finds Him greater still. It’s a simple, poetic song that lifts the soul in gentle adoration.

The Story Behind the Hymn

The origin of “Fairest Lord Jesus” goes back to at least the 1600s. It was originally known as the “Crusaders’ Hymn,” and although its exact roots are uncertain, it’s believed to have been sung by German Christians in the Silesian region. It was later translated into English and became widely known through hymnals in the 19th century.


The melody is rich yet peaceful, carrying a kind of pastoral beauty. It pairs perfectly with the lyrics — not grand and loud, but humble and heartfelt, like a quiet prayer of worship in the midst of nature.


What Makes It Powerful

What makes this hymn powerful is its focus. It doesn’t ask for anything. It doesn’t even mention struggle. It simply beholds Jesus — His fairness, His glory, His kingship — and offers praise. It helps realign our hearts, reminding us that Jesus is above all.


A verse that reflects this worshipful posture is Psalm 27:4 (NIV):

One thing I ask from the Lord… to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

That’s the heart of this hymn: gazing on Jesus and praising Him for who He is.


My Violin Cover

When I arranged “Fairest Lord Jesus” for violin, I focused on keeping the melody pure and graceful. It’s not a song that needs complexity — just a peaceful flow that invites worship. I wanted each note to feel like a soft expression of love and awe.


With Violin Hymns, I try to let the mood of the lyrics lead the arrangement. For this one, that meant gentleness, reverence, and beauty.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, let this hymn lift your eyes to Christ. In a world full of noise, let your soul pause and simply adore Him. Beautiful Savior, Lord of all the nations — Son of God and Son of Man. Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be Thine.

Lyrics


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 heaven can boast.


Beautiful Savior!

Lord of all the nations!

Son of God and Son of Man!

Glory and honor,

praise, adoration,

now and forevermore be thine.

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