Brightest and Best
A setting of the famous hymn-text by Bishop Reginald Heber. Two equal parts with an optional 3-part ending, and organ accompaniment. Quotes the chorale tune "Wie schön leuchtet."
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.
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.
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.