Hail the bless'd morn

1.
Hail the bless'd morn, see the great Mediator
down from the region of glory descend!  
Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger,
lo, for his guard the bright angels attend.  
Brightest and best of the stars 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.  

2.
Shall we not yield him, in costly devotion,
fragrance of Edom and offerings divine,
gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest or gold from the mine?  
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 Savior of all.  

3.
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 stars 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.

Words:  Reginald Heber, Christian Observed, 1811, alt.
   Tune:  Southern Harmony, 1835
               

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