O Morning Star, How Fair And Bright

For Epiphany

Words: Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, Philipp Nicolai, 1597;
Translator: Catherine Winkworth, Chorale Book for England, 1863, #149.

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: Bennett and Goldschmidt, The Chorale Book for England (London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts, and Green, 1863), #149.

1. O Morning Star, how fair and bright!
Thou beamest forth in truth and light,
     O Sovereign meek and lowly!
Thou Root of Jesse, David’s Son,
My Lord and Bridegroom, Thou hast won
     My heart to serve Thee solely!
Holy art Thou, Fair and glorious,
        All victorious,
        Rich in blessing
Rule and might over all possessing.

2. Thou heavenly Brightness! Light divine!
O deep within my heart now shine,
     And make Thee there an altar!
Fill me with joy and strength to be
Thy member, ever, joined to Thee
     In love that cannot falter;
Toward Thee longing doth possess me;
          Turn and bless me;
          For Thy gladness
Eye and heart here pine in sadness.

3. But if Thou look on me in love,
There straightways falls from God above
     A ray of purest pleasure;
Thy word and Spirit, flesh and blood,
     Thou art my hidden treasure;
Let Thy grace, Lord, Warm and cheer me.
          O draw near me;
          Thou hast taught us
Thee to see since Thou hast sought us!

4. Here will I rest, and hold it fast,
The Lord I love is First and Last,
     The End as the Beginning!
Here I can calmly die, for Thou
Wilt raise me where Thou dwellest now,
     Above all tears, all sinning:
Amen! Amen! Come, Lord Jesus,
          Soon release us,
          With deep yearning,
Lord, we look for Thy returning!

Sheet Music and Text from The Chorale Book for England, #149.

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