Gather Comprehensive ‎#378

378. What Star Is This

1 What star is this with beams so bright,
More lovely than the noonday light?
’Tis sent to announce a newborn 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 heaven 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, heavenly 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, 1676-1749
• Translator: John Chandler, 1806-1876 (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1994
• Scripture:
  Numbers 24:17
  ;
  Matthew 2:2-10
• Topic: Seasons and Feasts: Epiphany

Tune Information

• Name: PUER NOBIS
• Adapter: Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621
• Meter: LM
• Key: D Major