53a. 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 dew-drops 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.

Text Information
First Line: Brightest and best of the sons of the morning
Author: Reginald Heber, 1783 - 1826
Language: English
Publication Date: 1958
Topic: The Church Year: Epiphany
Tune Information
Name: MORNING STAR
Composer: James P. Harding, c.1860 - 1911
Meter: 11 10, 11 10.
Key: A Major



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