CPWI Hymnal ‎#109

109. What star is this, with beams so bright

1 What star is this, with beams so bright,
more beauteous than the noonday light?
It shines to herald forth the King,
and Gentiles to his crib to bring.

2 True spake the prophet from afar
who told the rise of Jacob's star;
and eastern sages with amaze
upon the wondrous token gaze.

3 The guiding star above is bright;
within them shines a clearer light,
and leads them on with power benign
to seek the Giver of the sign.

4 O Jesus, while the star of grace
impels us on to seek thy face,
let not our slothful hearts refuse
the guidance of thy light to use.

5 To God the Father, heavenly light,
to Christ, revealed in earthly night,
to God the Holy Ghost we raise
our equal and unceasing praise!

Text Information

• First Line: What star is this, with beams so bright
• Latin Title: Quae stella sole pulchrior
• Author: Charles Coffin, 1676-1749
• Translator: John Chandler, 1806-1876
• Meter: L.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:2
• Topic: Hymns for the Church Year: Epiphany
• Source: Breviary, Paris, 1736; Other translators: Editors of Hymns Ancient and Modern, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: PUER NOBIS
• Adaptation: Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621
• Meter: L.M.
• Key: D Major
• Source: Trier MS; Harmonization: Cowly Carol Book, 1902