Great Maker of the Glittering Stars

For Advent

Words: Creator alme siderum. Revised from Conditor alme siderum

Translator: Rev. Professor Thomas J. Potter, All Hallows College, Dublin, 1857-1858.

Source: Orby Shipley, Annus Sanctus: Hymns of the Church for the Ecclesiastical Year. Vol. 1. (London and New York: Burns and Oates, 1884), p. 210-211.

Great Maker of the glittering stars, 
Our light amid the world's dark wars, 
Jesu, our souls' redeeming praise, 
Oh, hear the vows we humbly raise. 

Thy burning love did bring thee down 
From heaven above, thy happy throne, 
Lest to destruction, hell's foul king, 
A fainting world should quickly bring. 

Who, that thou mightst our ransom pay, 
And gladly wash our stains away, 
The Virgin's spotless shrine didst leave. 
And on the cross a victim bleed. 

Whene'er thy great and awful name 
The lips in trembUng accents frame, 
The powers of heaven and hell agree 
To own its might on bended knee. 

Great judge, at that last awful day, 
Thy mercy sweet we humbly pray ; 
Thy heavenly grace in plenty send. 
And from their foes thy own defend. 

Jesu, to thee, the Virgin's Son, 
Be everlasting homage done, 
To God the Father we repeat 
The same, and to the Paraclete. 

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols