Rejoice in the Lord ‎#227

227. What Star Is This?

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 heav'n the Lord’s command.

3 While outward signs the star displays,
an inward light the Lord conveys,
and urges them, with force benign,
to seek the Giver of the sign.

4 O while the star of heav'nly grace
invites us, Lord, to seek thy face,
may we no more that grace repel,
or quench that light which shines so well.

5 To God the Father, God the Son,
and Holy Spirit, Thee in one,
may ev'ry 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?
• Author: Charles Coffin (1736)
• Translator: John Chandler (1837)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1985
• Scripture:
  Numbers 24:17
• Topic: Biblical Characters: Jacob; Jesus Christ: Epiphany and Youth
• Source: Quae stella sole pulchrior

Tune Information

• Name: PUER NOBIS NASCITUR
• Adapter (melody): M. Praetorius (1609)
• Harmonizer: G. R. Woodward (1910)
• Meter: LM
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: Harmonization used by permission of A.R. Mowbray & Co., Ltd.