Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church ‎#39b

39b. Brightest and best of the sons of the morning

1 Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

2 Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are shining,
Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch, and Saviour of all.

3 Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Edom and offerings divine;
Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?

4 Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would His favor secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

5 Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Brightest and best of the sons of the morning
• Author: Reginald Heber (1811)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: The Church Year: Epiphany

Tune Information

• Name: MORNING STAR
• Composer: J. P. Harding
• Meter: 11 10, 11 10