Brightest and Best

The words for 'Brightest and best' were written by Reginald Heber (1783-1826). The music for 'Brightest and best' was composed by Joseph F. Thrupp (1827-1867) and published in 1853 in Psalms and Hymns for Public Worship. Some alternative music for this lovely Christmas Carol was composed by the musician James P. Harding and added to the lyrics in 1892.

Brightest and Best

Christmas Carol Lyrics

 

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.

 

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
Christmas Carol Lyrics

 

 

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Brightest and Best