How Bright Appears the Morning Star

Above:  Christ Pantocrator

Image in the Public Domain

Hymn Source = The Hymnal 1982 (1985), The Episcopal Church

Original German Words by Philipp Nicolai (1556-1608), Lutheran pastor

English Words by William Mercer (1811-1873), Anglican priest and editor of The Church Psalter and Hymn Book (1857), a volume dedicated to encouraging congregational singing in Church of England parishes

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1.  How bright appears the Morning Star,

with mercy beaming from afar;

the host of heaven rejoices;

O righteous Branch, O Jesse’s Rod!

Thou Son of Man and Son of God!

We, too, will lift our voices:

Jesus, Jesus! Holy, holy,

yet most lowly,

draw thou near us:

great Emmanuel, come and hear us.

2.  Though circled by the hosts on high,

he deigned to cast a pitying eye

upon his helpless creature;

the whole creation’s Head and Lord,

by highest seraphim adored,

assumed our very nature;

Jesus, grant us, through thy merit,

to inherit

thy salvation;

hear, O hear our supplication.

3.  Rejoice, ye heavens; thou earth, reply;

with praise, ye sinners, fill the sky,

for this his Incarnation.

Incarnate God, put forth thy power,

ride on, ride on, great Conqueror,

till all know thy salvation.

Amen, amen!  Alleluia,

alleluia!

Praise be given

evermore, by earth and heaven.