Recorded live at the Church of the Incarnation, Dallas on The Feast of the Epiphany 2019. The Evensong featured the combined choirs of Incarnation and Saint Michael & All Angels. Graham Schultz on the 1994/2015 Noack Organ. More information on the instrument can be found at incarnation.org/worship/music.


Music: Morning Star, James Proctor Harding (1850-1911)
Descant: Richard Webster (b. 1952)

Words: Reginald Heber (1783-1826)


1 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 Cold on his cradle the dew-drops 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.

3 Shall we then yield him, in costly devotion,
odours of Edom, and offerings divine,
gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?

4 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.

5 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.