The New Christian Hymnal ‎#63

63. Brightest and Best of the Sons

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. Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Edom and off'rings divine.
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?

3. 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.

Text Information

• First Line: Brightest and best of the sons of the morning
• Title: Brightest and Best of the Sons
• Author: Reginald Heber (1811)
• Meter: 11 10 11 10
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1929
• Topic: Jesus Christ: Birth
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: MORNING STAR
• Composer: John P. Harding (1861)
• Meter: 11 10 11 10
• Incipit: 32176 55171 32543
• Key: A♭ Major
• Notes: Now Public Domain.