RitualSong ‎#533

533. Brightest and Best

1 Brightest and best of the stars 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.

Refrain:
Brightest and best of the stars 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 Savior of all. [Refrain]

3 Shall we then 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, and gold from the mine? [Refrain]

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 pray'rs of the poor. [Refrain]

5 Brightest and best of the stars 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. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: Brightest and best of the stars of the morning
• Title: Brightest and Best
• Author: Reginald Heber, 1783-1826 (alt.)
• Refrain First Line: Brightest and best of the stars of the morning
• Meter: 11 10 11 10 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2
• Topic: Epiphany; Incarnation; Light; Nation

Tune Information

• Name: STAR IN THE EAST
• Harmonizer: Marty Haugen, b. 1950
• Meter: 11 10 11 10 with refrain
• Key: g minor
• Source: Southern Harmony, 1835
• Copyright: Harm. © 1987, GIA Publications, Inc.