Jesus Thou Joy of Loving Hearts - Traditional

Jesus, Thou Joy of loving hearts,
Thou Fount of life, Thou Light of men,
From the best bliss that earth imparts,
We turn unfilled to Thee again.

Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood;
Thou savest those that on Thee call;
To them that seek Thee, Thou art good,
To them that find Thee, all in all.

We taste Thee, O Thou living Bread,
And long to feast upon Thee still;
We drink of Thee, the Fountainhead,
And thirst our souls from Thee to fill.

Our restless spirits yearn for Thee,
Where'er our changeful lot is cast;
Glad when Thy gracious smile we see,
Blest when our faith can hold Thee fast.

O Jesus, ever with us stay,
Make all our moments calm and bright;
Chase the dark night of sin away,
Shed o'er the world Thy holy light.

Jesus Thou Joy of Loving Hearts lyrics are translated from a medieval Latin poem traditionally attributed to Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. The song describes Jesus as the fount of life and the light of men whose presence is sweeter than the most precious of earthly treasures. It emphasizes that those who drink from Him still thirst for more and those who eat find their souls refreshed. By singing these lyrics the faithful meditate on the spiritual fulfillment that comes from a personal relationship with Christ finding in Him the only true source of enduring happiness and peace in a changing world.