WHAT STAR IS THIS, WITH BEAMS SO BRIGHT?
"A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel."
Numbers 24:17
Words: Charles Coffin, Paris Breviary, 1736; translated from Latin to
English by John Chandler, 1837.
Music: "Puer Nobis Nascitur," Trier, Germany, 15th Century. Adapted by
Michael Praetorius, 1609; harmony by George Ratcliffe Woodward, 1910.
What star is this, with beams so bright,
More lovely than the noonday light?
'Tis sent to announce a newborn King,
Glad tidings of our God to bring.
'Tis now fulfilled what God decreed,
"From Jacob shall a star proceed";
And lo! the Eastern sages stand
To read in heaven the Lord's command.
The guiding star above is bright;
Within them shines a purer light,
Which leads them on with power benign
To seek the Giver of the sign.
True love can brook no dull delay;
Nor toil nor dangers stop their way
Home, kindred, father land and all
They leave at their Creator's call.
O Jesus, while the star of grace
Impels us on to seek Your face,
Let not our slothful hearts refuse
The guidance of Your light to use.
To God the Father, God the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
May every tongue and nation raise
An endless song of thankful praise.