I have been reviewing some modern worship songs, but I’ve taken a break to explore some Advent and Christmas hymns. 😀. Just when you think Christmas is over, you remind yourself that December 25th is the first of the 12 days of Christmas. So, I’ll wait until January 7th to go back to normal hymns.
Today I’ve chosen Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning.
This one is associated with Epiphany, which Roman Catholics and other traditional denominations celebrate on January 6th. It commemorates two key moments in the life of Jesus:
- The visit of the three wise men (Magi)
- The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist
Evangelical churches don’t generally have such special feasts, but we might choose to sing that hymn throughout the year. The hymn is said to be based to some degree on Isaiah 60 from the Old Testament. Much of the book of Isaiah brings bad news for the immediate future, but good news in the longer term, anticipating the coming of the Messiah. And Isaiah 60 is part of this good news.
Isaiah 60:1–3
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.
3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Even if I were an atheist, I would find it fascinating to consider how this promise seems to have been fulfilled. Who would have thought that a poor carpenter from such a small country would have had such an impact on history. Of, course, as a Christian, it’s not such a surprise to me.
The hymn is quite poetic with a simple message. In contrast to the gifts of the rich wise men, we offer our heart’s adoration, something that we can do whether we’re rich or poor.
1. Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid!
Star of the east, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
2. Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,
Fragrance of Edom, and off'rings divine?
Gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?
3. 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.
Here are some interesting versions of the hymn:
A modern hymn by Graham Kendrick is also based on the Isaiah 60 passage. In fact, a good number of hymns reference this passage, including Rejoice! Your Light Has come.
Hibernia Gospel 