Brightest and Best
A beautiful original setting of the Reginald Heber text for Epiphany. Quotes the hymn tune Wie schön leuchtet. SATB with organ.
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant redeemer is laid.
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 Savior of all.
Shall we not yield him, in costly devotion,
Fragrance of Edom and off’rings divine,
Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?
How brightly shines the Morning Star,
With mercy beaming from afar;
The Host of Heav’n rejoices, Jesus,
Alleluia! Praise be given
ever more to you in heaven.