How Brightly Shines the Morning Star

Words: Philipp Nicolai, William Mercer · Music: J. S. Bach, Philipp Nicolai · 1599

Verse 1
How brightly shines the Morning Star,
with mercy beaming from afar;
the host of heav'n 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.

Verse 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 your merit, to inherit
your salvation;
hear, oh, hear our supplication.

Verse 3
Rejoice, O heav'ns, and earth, reply;
with praise, O sinners, fill the sky
for this, his incarnation.
Incarnate God, put forth your pow'r;
ride on, ride on, great Conqueror,
till all know your salvation.
Amen, amen!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise be given
evermore by earth and heaven.

Words: Philipp Nicolai, 1599; tr. William Mercer, 1854, rev. 1859 | Music: Philipp Nicolai, 1599; harm. J. S. Bach, 1731

Isaiah 11; Isaiah 52; Matthew 21; Luke 1; Luke 2; John 1; Philippians 2; Hebrews 2; Revelation 5; Revelation 22

Epiphany · Jesus, Advent of · Jesus, Epiphany of · Jesus, Names of