What Star Is This, With Beams So Bright

What Star Is This, With Beams So Bright?

For Epiphany

Version 1
Compare: What Star Is This, With Beams So Bright - Version 2
What Star Is This With Beams So Bright - Version 3
What Star Is This With Beams So Bright - Version 4
What Star Is This, With Beams So Bright - Version 5
What Star Is This, With Beams So Bright - Chandler, 1837

Words: Quæ stella sole pulchrior, Charles Coffin (1676-1749), Paris Breviary, 1736
Translation by John Chandler, ca 1837, alt.
from Turle’s Psalms and Hymns

Music: "Puer Nobis Nascitur," Trier, Germany, 15th Century. Adapted by Michael Praetorius, 1609; harmony by George Ratcliffe Woodward from The Cowley Carol Book
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF / XML

Source: Lost

1. What star is this, with beams so bright,
More lovely than the noonday light?
'Tis sent to announce a newborn King,
Glad tidings of our God to bring.

2. 'Tis now fulfilled what God decreed,
"From Jacob shall a star proceed";
And lo! the Eastern sages stand
To read in heaven the Lord's command.

3. The guiding star above is bright;
Within them shines a purer light,
Which leads them on with power benign
To seek the Giver of the sign.

4. True love can brook no dull delay;
Nor toil nor dangers stop their way
Home, kindred, father land and all
They leave at their Creator's call.

5. O Jesus, while the star of grace
Impels us on to seek Your face,
Let not our slothful hearts refuse
The guidance of Your light to use.

6. To God the Father, God the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
May every tongue and nation raise
An endless song of thankful praise.

Editor's Notes:

Music from Version 2:

"Quae Stella," Michael Praetorius
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF / XML

Music from Version 4:

"Ein Kind Gebor'n" Old German Carol
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF / XML

Music from Version 5:

"Sydney," J. Hopkins
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF / XML