The Weekly Encourager – December 27, 2014 – How Brightly Shines the Morning Star

I just sent a Christmas card to a friend who lives on Morning Star Road. I always thought it would be nice to live on a street that would constantly remind me of the Lord Jesus. In the Revelation, Jesus says, “I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” - Revelation 22:16 NASB Indeed, He is the “Dayspring from on high” who has visited us “through the tender mercy of God.” - Luke 1:78 KJ21 He is described as the sunrise, bringing to earth all the essential life-giving properties of the sun itself!

Today's Christmas hymn, “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star,” seems particularly appropriate as we reflect upon Jesus' birth as the sunrise. Thinking about New Year's Resolutions? This hymn gives a beautiful vision for the New Year to come: that we may adore Him more each day, then show Jesus' love to others, to the end that Jesus be known to the whole world, and ALL praise Him with joy forever. This is God's purpose for our life this year. Rejoice in the Morning Star!

1. How brightly shines the Morning Star,
With mercy beaming from afar!
The host of heaven rejoices!
O righteous Branch! O Jesse's Rod!
Thou Son of Man and Son of God!
We, too, will lift our voices,
Jesu! Jesu!
Holy, holy! yet most lowly! 
Draw Thou near us:
Great Immanuel, stoop and hear us.

 2. Though circled by the hosts on high,
He deigned to cast a pitying eye
Upon His helpless creature:
The whole creation's Head and Lord,
By highest seraphim adored,
Assumed our very nature;
Jesu! grant us,
Through Thy merit, to inherit
Thy salvation:
Hear, oh, hear our supplication.

3. Then will we to the world make known
The love Thou hast to outcasts shown,
In calling them before Thee:
And seek each day to be more meet
To join the throng who at Thy feet
Unceasingly adore thee.
Living, dying,
From Thy praises, mighty Jesus!
Cease we never;
Sing we forth Thy name for ever!

4. Rejoice, ye heavens; thou earth, reply!
With praise, ye sinners, fill the sky!
For this His incarnation.
Incarnate God, put forth Thy power,
Ride on, ride on, great Conqueror,
Till all know Thy salvation.
Amen, amen!
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Praise be given
Evermore, by earth and heaven.

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, by Philipp Nicolai, 1597, translated by Rev. William Mercer, c. 1854. Public domain.