021 - O Morning Star, How Fair And Bright

1) O Morning Star, how fair and bright!
Thou beamest forth in truth and light,
O Sovereign meek and lowly!
Thou Root of Jesse, David's Son,
My Lord and Master, Thou hast won
My heart to serve Thee solely! Thou art holy,
Fair and glorious, all victorious, rich in blessing
Rule and might over all possessing.

2) Thou heavenly Brightness! Light divine!
O deep within my heart now shine,
And make Thee there an altar!
Fill me with joy and strength to be
Thy member, ever, joined to Thee In love that cannot falter;
Toward Thee longing
Doth possess me; turn and bless me; here in sadness
Eye and heart long for Thy gladness!

Words: Philip Nicolai, 1597
Translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth, Chorale Book for England, 1863

Music: Philip Nicolai, 1599;
Harmony by Johann S. Bach, circa 1731
The melody is said to be from an older tune from Strasbourg, circa 1538