The Presbyterian Hymnal ‎#68

68. 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, God the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
May every tongue and nation raise
An endless song of thankful praise.

Text Information

• First Line: What star is this, with beams so bright
• Title: What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright
• Author: Charles Coffin (1736)
• Translator: John Chandler (1837; alt)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1990
• Scripture:
  Numbers 24:17
  ;
  Matthew 2:1-12
  ;
  Matthew 2:12

Tune Information

• Name: PUER NOBIS NASCITUR
• Adapter: Michael Praetorius (1609)
• Harmonizer: George Ratcliffe Woodward (1910)
• Meter: LM
• Key: D Major
• Source: Trier ms., 15th century