STAR IN THE EAST
American folk tune from "Southern Harmony", 1835
Reginald Heber, 1783-1826


Hail the blest morn, see the great mediator
Down from the regions of glory descend.
Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger,
Lo! for his guard the bright angels attend.

Chorus: 
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thy aid.
Star in the east, our horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant redeemer was laid.

Cold on his cradle the dew drops are shining,
Low lies his bed, with the beasts of the stall.
Angels adore him, in slumber reclining,
Wise men and shepherds before him do fall.

Chorus

Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Eden and offerings divine,
Gems from the mountain and pearls from the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?

Chorus

Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts we his favor secure;
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
Nearer to God are the prayers of the poor.






(Contributed by  - April 2010)