Brightest and Best - Traditional

Brightest and best of the sons 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.

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.

Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Edom and offerings divine?
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine?

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,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Brightest and Best lyrics were written by Bishop Reginald Heber and are often set to a lilting folk-like melody. The song describes the star of the morning as a guide to the manger where the King of all creation lies. It acknowledges that while we cannot offer gems or gold of the East the most pleasing sacrifice to God is a heart full of devotion. By singing the Brightest and Best lyrics the faithful celebrate the accessibility of Jesus who welcomes the lowly and the wise alike inviting every soul to find guidance in His heavenly light.