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277. Brightest and Best

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.

2 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 Saviour of all.

3 Tho' we should yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Edom and off'rings divine,
Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine,

4 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
Title: Brightest and Best
Author: Reginald Heber
Language: English
Publication Date: 1908
Topic: Special Occasions: Christmas; Special Selections: Duets; Children's Hymns
Notes: Public Domain.
Tune Information
Name: LELA
Composer: F. E. Belden
Meter: 11s & 10s
Key: C Major
Notes: Public Domain.



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