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What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright
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 the Father, God the Son,
And Holy Spirit, Three in one,
May every tongue and nation raise
An endless song of thankful praise.
WORDS: Charles Coffin, 1736
MUSIC: Trans. John Chandler, 1837; alt.Trier ms., 15th century Adapt. Michael Praetorius, 1609 Harm. George Ratcliffe Woodward, 1910
Scripture: Numbers 24:17 Matthew 2:1-12
Theme: Epiphany