Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning

This Epiphany hymn by Reginald Heber (1783-1826) first appeared in print in the November 11, 1811 edition of the Christian Observer.  Later it was included in his posthumous collection of texts entitled, "Hymns, written and adapted to the Weekly Church Service of the Year (1827).  Heber's original opening line was "sons of the morning," a reference perhaps to Isaiah 14:12 in which Lucifer is described, or possibly a reference to Job 38:7 in which the "morning stars" and "sons of God" join to praise God for His mighty acts of creation.  In the preparation of Lutheran Book of Worship, the ILCW (Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship) thought it advisable to change Heber's "sons of the morning" to "stars of the morning" to avoid any confusion.  Other minor changes froma the original include the change from "odors" to "fragrance" since "odors" in our modern context usually means unpleasant smells.  The tune MORNING STAR, to which this hymn is set in Lutheran Service Book, was written by James Harding (1850-1911) and first published in an American hymnal in 1901, The New Psalms and Hymns, a hymnal used by Presbyterians of that era.

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.

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.

3.  Shall we not yield Him, in costlly devotion,

        Fragrance of Edom and off'rings divine,

     Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,

        Myrrh from the forest and 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 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.