LBW #84, “Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning”
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us your 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 offerings divine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?
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 stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid.
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
Devotion
Reginald Heber must have been an early riser who enjoyed watching Venus shine before the rising sun. To him, it was like the star that guided the magi to Jesus’ manger. Stars and planets are visible only at night. Darkness hangs over the world and danger lurks in the shadows. But daylight is coming soon and the star leads to the newborn King. What a shock to discover that he seems no better off than the rest of us. But his stable only masks the truth: Jesus is Savior of the world. No wonder the wealthy (that is, CEO, movie or rock star, athlete) voluntarily bring treasures. We, too, want to bring Christmas gifts, but ours do not compare. Never mind, Heber suggests – God is more impressed with sacrificial hearts and prayers.
Prayer
Lord, thanks for the star that leads the way to your humble home. Amen.