Brightest and Best of the Stars, ELW 303
1 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.
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.
3 What shall we give him, in costly devotion?
Shall we bring incense and off’rings divine,
gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?
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.
5 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
Bishop Reginald Heber (1783-1826) wrote this beautiful Epiphany hymn. Heber, who grew up in a wealthy Yorkshire family, was known as a kind and gracious pastor and bishop. He spent the end of his career as a bishop in Calcutta, India. He is probably best remembered for his hymns, which also include Holy, Holy, Holy (ELW 413) and God, Who Made the Earth and Heaven (ELW 564). Heber's text in this hymn helps us remember that the best gift we can bring to the Christ-child is that of our own open hearts and minds. It is into such wonder that we are led by the light of the star.
Prayer
Gracious God, fill our lives with your light, our minds with humble wonder and our hearts with joy and love. We pray this in the name of Jesus, born like us and for us. Amen.