The Worshipbook ‎#632

632. What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright

1 What star is this, with beams so bright,
More lovely than the noonday light?
’Tis sent to announce a newborn 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 heaven the Lord’s command.

3 O Jesus, while the star of grace
Impels us on to seek your face,
Let not our slothful hearts refuse
The guidance of your light to use.

4 To God the Father, heavenly Light,
To Christ, revealed in earthly night,
To God the Holy Ghost we raise
An endless song of thankful praise!

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: What star is this, with beams so bright
• Title: What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright
• Translator: John Chandler (1837, alt.)
• Author: Charles Coffin (1736)
• Meter: L.M.
• Publication Date: 1972
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:2
• Topic: Christian Year: Christmas; Christian Year: Epiphany; Other Observances: Christian Education

Tune Information

• Name: PUER NOBIS (Praetorius)
• Adapter: Michael Praetorius (1609)
• Harmonizer: George R. Woodward (1902)
• Meter: L.M.
• Key: D Major
• Source: Trier ms., 15th century
• Copyright: Music altered from The Cowley Carol Book, No. 21; used by permission of A. R. Mowbray & Co. Limited.