Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#41b

41b. What star is this, with beams so bright

1. What star is this, with beams so bright,
Which shame the sun’s less radiant light?
’Tis sent t’ announce a new-born King,
Glad tidings of our God to bring.

2. ’Tis now fulfilled what God decreed:
“From Jacob shall a star proceed”;
And lo! the eastern sages stand
To read in heav’n the Lord’s command.

3. While outward signs the star displays,
An inward light the Lord conveys,
And urges them, with force benign,
To seek the Giver of the sign.

4. Oh, while the star of heav’nly grace
Invites us, Lord, to seek thy face,
May we no more that grace repel,
Or quench that light, which shines so well!

5. To God the Father, God the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
May every tongue and nation raise
An endless song of thankful praise!

Text Information

• First Line: What star is this, with beams so bright
• Latin Title: Quae stella sole pulchrior
• Author: Charles Coffin (1736)
• Translator: John Chandler (1837)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-12
• Topic: Epiphany
• Notes: Text by Charles Coffin, “Quae stella sole pulchrior,” from Breviarium Parisiense (1736), tr. by John Chandler for Hymns of the Primitive Church (1837).

Tune Information

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