Journeysongs (3rd ed.) ‎#336

336. 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 heav'n the Lord’s command.

3 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.

4 To God the Father, heav'nly Light,
To Christ, revealed in earthly night,
To God the Holy Spirit raise
A 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: 2012
• Scripture:
  Matthew 2:1-12
  ;
  Numbers 24:17
• Topic: The Liturgical Year: The Epiphany of the Lord

Tune Information

• Name: PUER NOBIS
• Adapter: Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621
• Arranger: George Woodward, 1843-1934
• Meter: LM
• Key: D Major
• Source: Trier MS, 15th cent.