Exactly how and where this hymn came to be written is uncertain. It may have originated with Moravian Christians who fled Bohemia in the eighteenth century to settle in Silesia. The hymn depicts the character of Christ in some of the loveliest words and music ever penned. The lilting folk tune draws our attention outdoors to God's handiwork in nature, extolling the incredible beauties of creation. Yet as great as these are, the hymn continues, Jesus is fairer still. The song also reminds us of Christ's glory as both God and man. As we think about God's handiwork--the beauties of nature and splendor of the universe, we are led to worship the Creator, who brought it all into being.
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!
(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible-Tyndale House)