Here is an astonishing Celtic version of one of the most beautiful melodies in history, a favorite at weddings, recorded by hundreds of soloists, choirs and orchestras.

It’s Johann Sebastian Bach’s memorable “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.”

Did you know it was originally a praise and worship song? Of course they had those back in the early 1700s when this was written. It’s nothing new to sing God’s praises! The angels, after all, pioneered the idea.

Here is a literal translation of the original German lyrics. Read them as you listen to this classic:

Well for me that I have Jesus,
O how strong I hold — to Him

That He might refresh my heart
when so sick and sad — am I.

Jesus have I, He who loves me,
He who takes me as — His own!

Ah, therefore I don’t leave Jesus,
lest I should break my heart.

Now enjoy the Celtic version as you reflect on the love that a great man of God, Johann Sebastian Bach, had for our Lord. A complex genius, Bach was not ashamed to fill his music with his great gratitude to our loving Savior!

And here’s a bit of trivia for you.  The original German lyrics were written in 1661 by Mar­tin Ja­nus. The melody was actually written by Jo­hann Schop between 1661-1664. It gained enormous popularity in 1723 when Bach enhanced and arranged it for the chor­us that closes his 32nd cantata, which oddly enough is named Can­ta­ta No. 147.

If you enjoyed that, then CLICK HERE to get a kick out of this — the world’s longest wooden xylophone playing an interesting version of this wondrous classic.