Worship (4th ed.) ‎#448

448. 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.
It urges them, with force benign,
To seek the Giver of the sign.

4 O Jesus, while the star of grace
Invites us all to seek your face,
Let not our slothful hearts refuse
The guidance of your light to use.

5 To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three 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
• Latin Title: Quem stella sole pulchrior
• Author: Charles Coffin, 1676-1759
• Translator: John Chandler, 1806-1876 (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2011
• Topic: Epiphany of the Lord

Tune Information

• Name: PUER NOBIS
• Adapter: Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621
• Meter: LM
• Key: D Major