The Cyber Hymnal ‎#5185

5185. O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright

1. O morning star, how fair and bright!
Thou beamest forth in truth and light,
O Sovereign meek and lowly!
Thou root of Jesse, David’s Son,
My Lord and Master, Thou hast won
My heart to serve Thee solely!
Thou art holy,
Fair and glorious, all victorious, rich in blessing
Rule and might over all possessing.

2. Thou heavenly brightness! Light divine!
O deep within my heart now shine,
And make Thee there an altar!
Fill me with joy and strength to be
Thy member, ever, joined to Thee
In love that cannot falter;
Toward Thee longing
Doth possess me; turn and bless me; here in sadness
Eye and heart long for Thy gladness!

Text Information

• First Line: O morning star, how fair and bright
• Title: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright
• German Title: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
• Author: Philipp Nicolai (1599)
• Translator (from German): Catherine Winkworth
• Language: English
• Source: Translation in Chorale Book for England, 1863
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Nicolai was the pastor in Unna, Germany, when the bubonic plague was terrorizing Europe. After seeing 30 graves dug in a single day, he felt compelled to write these words; they first appeared in his 'Freudenspiegel des ewigen Lebens' (Joyous Mirror of Eternal Life), 1599.

Tune Information

• Name: [O morning star, how fair and bright]
• Composer: Philipp Nicolai (1599)
• Composer (melody): Johann S. Bach (1731)
• Incipit: 15315 66556 71766
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: The melody is said to be from an older tune from Strasbourg, circa 1538.