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266. Brightest and best of the sons of the morning

1 Brightest and best of the sons 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.
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.

2 Shall we not yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Edom and offerings divine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would His favor secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

Text Information
First Line: Brightest and best of the sons of the morning
Meter: 11, 10.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1898
Topic: Christ: Morning Star
Notes: Now Public Domain. R. Heber, d. 1826.
Tune Information
Name: COMMUNION WITH CHRIST
Meter: 11, 10.
Key: E♭ Major
Source: Pontoppidan's Salmebog, 1741.
Notes: Now Public Domain. Norwegian tune name: Jesu, din söde Forening at smage



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