Brightest and best

Brightest and best of the sons a 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 dewdrops are shining
Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining
Maker and Monarch and Savior of all

Say, shall we 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

Brightest and best of the sons a 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