Brightest and best of the sun of the morning

1.

Brightest and best of the sun of the morning

Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;

Star of the East, the horizon adorning

Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

2.

Cold on His cradle the dew-drops are shining;

Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall;

Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,

Maker, and Monarch, and Saviour of all,

3.

Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,

Odours of Edom, and offerings divine,

Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,

Myrrh from the forest of gold from the mine?

4.

Vainly we offer each ample oblation;

Vainly with gifts would His favour secure;

Richer by far is the heart’s adoration;

Dearer to God are the pray’rs of the poor,

5.

Brightest and best of the sun of the morning,

Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;

Star of the East, the horizon adorning,

Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.