Hail the blest morn! when the great Mediator

Down from the regions of glory descends!

Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger;

Lo! for your guide the bright angel attends!

CHORUS.

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,

Dawn on our darkness, and lend us thy 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 slumbers reclining,

Maker, and Monarch, and Saviour of all!

3 Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,

Odors of Eden, and offerings divine;

Gems from the mountain, and pearls from the ocean,

Myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine?

4 Vainly we offer earth’s richest oblation

Vainly with gold would his favor secure;

Richer, by far, is the heart’s adoration,

Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor!