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119. What Star Is This

1 What star is this with beams so bright,
More lovely than the noonday light?
’Tis sent to announce a new-born king,
Glad tidings of our God to bring.

2 ’Tis now fulfilled what God decreed,
“From Jacob shall a star proceed”;
And lo! the eastern sages stand,
To read in heav'n the Lord’s command.

3 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.

4 To God Creator, heav'nly light,
To Christ, revealed in earthly night,
To God the Spirit blest we raise
An endless song of thankful praise!

Text Information
First Line: What star is this with beams so bright
Title: What Star Is This
Latin Title: quem stella sole pulchrior
Author: Charles Coffin, 1676-1759
Translator: John Chandler, 1806-1876 (alt.)
Meter: LM
Language: English
Publication Date: 2001
Topic: Christmas
Tune Information
Name: PUER NOBIS
Adapter: Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621
Meter: LM
Key: D Major



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