How Bright Appears the Morning Star
For Epiphany
Words: Wie
schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, Philipp Nicolai, 1597;
paraphrased in Psalmodia Germanica, 1722
and altered by William Mercer (1811-73), 1855 and 1859
Also attributed to J. C. Jacobi
Music: Wie schön leuchtet der
Morgenstern, Philip
Nicolai, 1599.
The melody is said to be from an older tune from Strasbourg, circa
1538.
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer /
XML
Meter: 887 887 48 48
1. How bright appears the Morning Star,
With mercy beaming from afar;
The host of heaven rejoices;
O righteous Branch, O Jesse's Rod!
Thou Son of Man and Son of God!
We, too, will lift our voices:
Jesus, Jesus!
Holy, holy, yet most lowly,
Draw thou near us;
Great Emmanuel, come and hear us.
2. Though circled by the hosts on high,
He deigned to cast a pitying eye
Upon his helpless creature;
The whole creation’s Head and Lord,
By highest seraphim adored,
Assumed our very nature;
Jesus, grant us,
Through thy merit, to inherit
Thy salvation;
Hear, O hear our supplication.
3. Rejoice, ye heavens; thou earth, reply;
With praise, ye sinners, fill the sky,
For this his Incarnation.
Incarnate God, put forth thy power,
Ride on, ride on, great Conqueror,
Till all know thy salvation.
Amen, amen!
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise be given
Evermore, by earth and heaven.
With the first line changed to "How brightly shines the morning star," this carol is also found under the name "How Brightly Shines The Morning Star." But see: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star.
