The Hymnal 1982 124
What star is this, with beams so bright
- Tune
- puer nobis
- Author(s)
- Charles Coffin, 1676-1749; John Chandler, 1807-1876
- Composer(s)
- Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621
- Meter
- 8.8.8.8
- Text Source(s)
- Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861, (tr.)
- Tune Source(s)
- Trier MS, 15th cent. (melody); Cowley Carol Book, 1902 (harm.)
More information available on ritesong or Hymnary.org.
1. What star is this, with beams so bright, more beauteous than the noonday light? It shines to herald forth the King, and Gentiles to his crib to bring.
2. True spake the prophet from afar who told the rise of Jacob's star; and eastern sages with amaze upon the wondrous token gaze.
3. The guiding star above is bright; within them shines a clearer light, and leads them on with power benign to seek the Giver of the sign.
4. O Jesus, while the star of grace impels us on to seek thy face, let not our slothful hearts refuse the guidance of thy light to use.
5. To God the Father, heavenly Light, to Christ, revealed in earthly night, to God the Holy Ghost we raise our equal and unceasing praise.