Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
785Resource Type:
Keys included:
Gm
About this Hymn
Reginald Heber is one of my favorite hymn poets (he wrote hymns such as "Holy, Holy, Holy"). He tells the story of the wise men in such a beautiful way as he prays that God would "dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid." This might be one of the most compelling Christmas lyrics ever, one that probably needs to be known better, as it reminds us, "Richer by far is the heart's adoration, dearer to God are the prayers of the poor."
Lyrics
Verse 1
Brightest and best of the sons 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.
Chorus
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.
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
Shall we not yield him, in costly devotion, odors of Edom and off'rings divine, gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean, myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?
Verse 4
Vainly we offer each ample oblation, vainly with gifts would his favor secure. Richer by far is the heart's adoration; dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best of the sons 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.
Chorus
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.
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
Shall we not yield him, in costly devotion, odors of Edom and off'rings divine, gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean, myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?
Verse 4
Vainly we offer each ample oblation, vainly with gifts would his favor secure. Richer by far is the heart's adoration; dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Reginald Heber, 1811
Music: The Temple Harmony, 1826
Music: The Temple Harmony, 1826