Universalis

Tuesday 6 January 2009

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning

I don't know which choir this young gentleman belongs to, but it is certainly not Westminster Cathedral! The Master of Music would go mad if the choristers had snowball fights whilst wearing their cassocks!



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 Saviour of all.

Say, shall we not yield Him, In costly devotion
Odours of Edom and offerings divine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?

Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would His favour secure.
Richer by far is the heart's adoration;
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

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.


Let us remember with gratitude at this Christmas Season all those who provide music in our cathedrals and churches.

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