INGRAVE IIS, IOS. J. KNOX Brightest and best of the sons of the morn- ing, Dawn on our darkness and lend us Thine aid; From "Hymns and Responses," by permission of A. P. Schmidt & Co. 190 Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. Maker, and Monarch, and Saviour of all. 3 Say, shall we yield Him in costly devotion, Odors of Edom, and offerings divine, WEBBE IIS, IOS. 3 Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean, 4 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 of the sons of the morning, [aid; 5 Dawn on our darkness, and lend us Thine Star of the East, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. Reginald Heber 1811 S. WEBBE Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, Dawn on our darkness,and lend us Thine aid: ST. EANSWYTH P. M. J. W. SIDEBOTHAM Hark! what music fills the sky! Glo-ry be to God on high, An-gels sing,and hosts re-ply, Hal-le-lu - jah! 192 HARK! what music fills the sky! 2 To the sons of men is given 3 Righteousness and peace embrace, 4 Would ye see the wondrous sign, 5 Thee we own as Lord and King, 6 Him we praise, Himself who gave To the manger and the grave All to ransom and to save. Hallelujah! 193 BLESSED night, when Bethlehem's plain Echoed with the joyful strain, "Peace has come to earth again." 2 Blessed hills, that heard the song 3 Happy shepherds, on whose ear, 4 Thus revealed to shepherd's eyes 5 We adore thee as our King, 6 Mighty King of Righteousness, Horatius Bonar Sweetest angel voices; 3 Hark! a voice from yonder manger Soft and sweet, doth entreat "Flee from woe and danger "Christ is born!" their choirs are singing, Brethren, come; from all that grieves you Till the air everywhere Now with joy is ringing. 2 For it dawns, the promised morrow Of His birth, who the earth Rescues from her sorrow. God to wear our form descendeth; Of His grace to our race Here His Son He lendeth. You are freed; all you need 4 Come, then, let us hasten yonder: Love Him who with love is yearning: Hail the Star, that from far Bright with hope is burning. Paul Gerhardt 1653 Tr. by Catherine Winkworth 186 O little town of Bethlehem! The hopes and fears of all the years, 2 For Christ is born of Mary, BRANDON P. M. 3 How silently, how silently, But in this world of sin, 4 O holy Child of Bethlehem! Phillips Brooks 1866 F. C. MAKER "Christ is born!" their choirs are singing, Till the air ev'-ry-where Now with joy is ring-ing. HARK! what mean those holy voices, Lo! the angelic host rejoices, Heavenly hallelujahs rise, Listen to the wondrous story Which they chant in hymns of joy: "Glory in the highest, glory, Glory be to God Most High." 2 "Peace on earth, good-will from heaven, Loud our golden harps shall sound. Learn His Name, and taste His joy: "Glory be to God Most High!" Let us learn the wondrous story Of our great Redeemer's birth; Spread the brightness of His glory Till it cover all the earth. John Cawood 1819 197 On this night, all nights excelling, 2 On this day then through creation "God with us," with song and shout. See the powers of hell are broken, Fierce and tyrannous and wild, And on earth glad words are spoken, Heralding the new-born Child. 3 Christ, who rules the earth and heaven, By His truth's controlling power, Who a grace to men hath given Edward Hayes Plumtre 1866 |