Common Praise (1998) ‎#159

159. Brightest and Best

1 Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid:
gem 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 Saviour of all.

3 Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion
odours of Edom and offerings 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 favour 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;
gem of the East, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Text Information

• First Line: Brightest and best of the stars of the morning
• Title: Brightest and Best
• Author: Reginald Heber (1783-1826) (alt.)
• Meter: 11 10 11 10
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1998
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 9:1-7
  ;
  Matthew 2:1-12
  ;
  Mark 12:41-44
  ;
  Luke 2:1-20
  ;
  Luke 18:1-8
  ;
  Luke 18:9-14
  ;
  Luke 21:1-4
• Topic: Epiphany (feast); Christmas

Tune Information

• Name: STELLA ORIENTIS
• Composer: Healey Willan (1880-1968)
• Meter: 11 10 11 10
• Copyright: © 1994 Waterloo Music Co. Ltd.