How Brightly Shines the Morning Star

For Epiphany

Words: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, Philipp Nicolai, 1597;
Translator: Composite (see below)

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 brightly shines the morning Star!
The nations see and hail afar
  The light in Judah shining.
Thou David's son of Jacob's race
The Bridegroom, and the King of grace,
  For thee our hearts are pining!
    Lowly, Lowly
Great and glorious, thou victorious
    Prince of graces,
Filling all the heavenly places!

2. Though circled by the hosts on high,
He deigns to cast a pitying eye
  Upon his helpless creature;
The whole creation's Head and Lord,
By highest seraphim adored,
  Assumes our very nature.
    Jesus, grant us,
Through thy merit, to inherit
    Thy salvation;
Here, o hear our supplication.

3. Rejoice, ye heav'ns; 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!
Alleluya, Alleluya!
    Praise be given
Evermore by earth and heaven.

Note:

The first verse is from H. Harbaugh, substituting the word "brightly" for the word "lovely." See: How Lovely Shines the Morning Star.

The second and third verses substantially the same as Mercer's second and fourth verses. See: How Bright Appears the Morning Star.

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

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