Bernard and the reality of Jesus

The reality of Jesus has been experienced across the globe and through the centuries. His reality is not just a local or recent phenomena. One specific example of Christian experience in the hymnal is “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee” written by Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153), translated here by Edward Caswall.  These impassioned words, coming to us from nearly 1,000 years in the past, indicate a personal, loving relationship with Christ.  To Bernard, Jesus was real.   

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast;
But sweeter far Thy face to see,
And in Thy presence rest.

Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find
A sweeter sound than Thy blest name,
O Savior of mankind!

O hope of every contrite heart,
O joy of all the meek,
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah, this
Nor tongue nor pen can show;
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but his loved ones know.