The Tree of Life my soul hath seen

This is one of my most favorite songs ever, and one of my favorite "Christmas" songs. It's not really a Christmas song per se, but it tends to be performed around this time of year. :) I added a video of it being sung at the bottom of the post, so you can follow along with the words.
I hope it moves you as much as it does me -- it often brings me to tears.


Jesus Christ the Apple Tree, circa 1784, New England area

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Choir of King's College, Cambridge
(video from about 1993, so excuse the dated look)