How lovely shines the Morning Star

Ruach Breath of Life

Back in 1599, Philipp Nicolai, a Lutheran pastor who ministered in plague-struck communities, wrote the words of this hymn: How lovely shines the Morning Star! The nations see and hail afar the light in Judah shining. O David's son of Jacob's race, my Bridegroom and my King of grace, for you my heart is pining. Huw Sung wrote an exquisite tune to accompany it, which Gerard le Feuvre and Sarah Blamire led us in at one of our conferences in the 1990s. Huw has kindly given us permission to use this version of it. Here are the rest of the words. Lowly, holy, great and glorious, O victorious Prince of graces, filling all the heav'nly places. 2 O highest joy by mortals won, true Son of God and Mary's son, the highborn King of ages! In your blest body let me be, e'en as the branch is in the tree, your life my life supplying. Sighing, crying for the savor of your favor, resting never till I rest in you forever. 3 O mighty Father, in your Son you loved me ere you had begun this ancient world's foundation. Your Son has made a friend of me, and when in spirit him I see, I joy in tribulation. What bliss is this! He is living, to me giving life forever; nothing me from him can sever. 4 Oh, joy to know that you, my friend, are Lord, beginning without end, the first and last, eternal! And you at length — O glorious grace — will take me to that holy place the home of joys supernal. Amen, amen! Come and meet me, quickly greet me! With deep yearning, Lord, I look for your returning. 5 Lift up the voice and strike the string, let all glad sounds of music ring in God's high praises blended. Christ will be with me all the way, today, tomorrow, ev'ry day till trav'ling days are ended. Sing out ring out triumph glorious, O victorious chosen nation; praise the God of your salvation.