"Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring"

German hymn composer, Martin Janus (c.1620 – c. 1682) wrote the words for the musical composition “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” He pre­-cant­ored two church­es in Si­le­sia.  In 1653, he became rec­tor at the Sagan Evan­gel­ic­al School.  And in 1664, he was the pastor of a church in Eck­ers­dorf Gate, but he was expelled by the Imperial Edict of March 13, 1668.  The edict drove out all evangelical teachers and pastors.   About 200 years later, the musical composition, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” was supposedly translated from German to English by Robert Seymour Bridges, who became Bri­tish Po­et Lau­re­ate in 1913.  Bridges actually studied to be a doctor, but found that his true talent lay in writing.  He wrote poems, plays and musical compositions.

Johann Schop (1590-1664), wrote the actual musical composition, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” He was a German musician and well-known violinist who became a member of the Royal Danish Musicians for the Court.  Later, the musical composition was revised for a cantata that the famous German Composer and musician, Johan Sebastian Bach, wrote as the closing piece.

“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”

Jesu, joy of man’s desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.

Written over 400 years ago, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” continues to be a favorite among “high church” congregations, as well as, congregations who are looking for a more classical style to their music for Christmas.

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