Brightest and Best of the Stars (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 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 dew-drops 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 sons 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.
Text: Reginald Heber; Music: James P. Harding; Public Domain
Devotion
I was diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during my first year at Luther Seminary. My dorm room was on the first floor of a dark alley. When I wasn’t found there—I was deeply ensconced in the bowels of the Gullickson Hall library. The trends were there. Memories of other hard, dark seasons came into focus. A wise doctor and my loving dad brought healing. Dad and I built a “mood light,” a huge plywood box that held a series of fluorescent “full spectrum” bulbs. In recovery, friends would stop by my room, wondering if the Transfiguration was happening, once again, right in Bockman Hall! As we prepare to leave Epiphany for Lent, let’s pause to remember that Jesus came into the world during the darkest time of the year.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, you are the Light of the World. You won’t let us forget that we are the light of the world, too. As days grow longer, dawn on our darkness. Lend us your aid. Amen.