How Brightly Shines the Morning Star

For Christmas

Words: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, Philipp Nicolai, 1597;
Translation: Jane Borthwick, Hymns from the Land of Luther, 1854, under the pseudonym "H. L. L."
(derived from the title of the collection of her poetry, Hymns from the Land of Luther)

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

Source: G. P., The Church Chorale and Hymn Book (London: John Shepherd, 1864), #239, p. 261.

1. How brightly shines the Morning Star
In truth and mercy from afar,
     With radiance pure and holy !
Thou Root of Jesse, David's Son,
My Bridegroom and my King in one,
     My heart is now Thine solely !
          Fairest, kindest,
Best and noblest, most exalted,
          Rich in blessing,
All of good Thyself possessing.

2. Almighty Source of light and love,
Shine on my spirit from above,
     Draw me to blest communion ;
So let this soul be ever Thine,
A living branch join'd to the Vine,
     In holy, constant union.
          To Thee, -- on Thee,
Precious Saviour, hoping, waiting
          Bliss expected,
Are my eyes and heart directed.

3 How blessed are those hours, how bright
When of Thy smile I feel the light,
     Calm on Thy love relying !
Jesus, Thou my chiefest good,
Thy Word and Spirit, flesh and blood,
     Are all my wants supplying.
          Take me, -- keep me
Ever near Thee, still rejoicing
          In salvation ;
I obey Thine invitation.

4 Oh, blissful thought, my heavenly Friend
Is the Beginning and the End,
     The First and Last for ever !
Soon shall He call, and I shall come,
Nor dread the portal to the home,
     Where death shall enter never.
          Amen -- Amen !
Come, Lord Jesus, now delay not,
          End this sadness,
Turn my mourning into gladness !

Sheet Music from G. P., The Church Chorale and Hymn Book (London: John Shepherd, 1864), #239, p. 261.

Note:

There are a large number of translations of this beautiful hymn. See the notes under Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern.

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