How Lovely Shines the Morning Star

For Epiphany

Version 2

Words: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, Philipp Nicolai, 1597;
Translation attributed to Frances E. Cox, 1864, alt.
Compare: How Lovely Now The Morning-star (Cox)

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 lovely shines the morning star!
In twilight sky it gleams afar;
The reign of night is ended.
Creation stirs to hail the light
Whose glories now with radiance bright
Stream forth in beauty splendid.
  Both far and near
  All things living
  Thanks are giving,
  Praise outpouring,
Earth and sky the Lord adoring.

2. Then haste, my soul, thy song to raise,
Delay thou not thy Lord to praise,
Bow down in adoration.
For glory, Lord, to Thee belongs
Thy praise resounds in grateful songs,
Thou Lord of all creation.
  Let all recall
  Hymns of gladness
  Without sadness
  For Thy favor
and Thy mercy never waver.

3. Tho' evil spirits thro' the night
With hellish craft and watchful spite
Came round me without number.
Yet Thou, O Jesus, with Thy pow'r,
Wast near me in that threat'ning hour.
Didst guard me in my slumber.
  Praise be to Thee,
  My Contender
  And Defender,
  I'll adore Thee
While on earth I walk before Thee.

4. Pour down Thy grace in cheering streams
And warm my heart with mercy's beams
From Heav'n, Thy throne of beauty;
Thy Spirit ever lead and guide
That in my calling I abide
And find my joy in duty.
  Send light and might
  That each measure
  Plan and pleasure,
  Heav'n-ward tending,
E'er in Thee may find its ending.

5. Keep grief, if this may be, away;
If not, Thy will be done, I pray,
My choice to Thine resigning.
Then, O my heart, cast care aside,
God through the cross His own hath tried;
Bear loss without repining
  Hope still through ill
  To God cleaning,
  Grace receiving,
  We shall wonder
At God's goodness here and yonder.

Editor's Note:

This alteration of Cox's translation has the same title as another translation by Dr. H. Harbaugh, How Lovely Shines the Morning Star.

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