Cate Colgan has been videoing Rev. Kim’s sermons and, recently, has started videoing the choir when they do a piece of mine, for which I’m am very grateful. I’m so lucky to get to work with these folks. They deserve to be heard and acknowledged. They’re always game to tackle anything, including my stuff.
Below is the text of the anthem they’re singing in this video.
Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning
Text: Bishop Reginald Heber, 1783-1826; modified: HKJ
Music: Hilton Kean Jones
1. Hail, the blest morn when the great Mediator
Down from the mansions of glory descends;
Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger,
Lo! for his guard the bright angels attend.
CHORUS: Brightest and best of the stars of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us your aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.
2. Cold on the cradle the dewdrops are shining;
Low lies Christ’s head with the beasts of the stall.
Angels adore Christ in slumber reclining,
Lover and Teacher and Savior of all.
CHORUS
3. Shall we not give Christ, in costly devotion
Odors of Edom and off’rings divine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?
CHORUS
4. Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would we favor secure.
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration;
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
CHORUS
Throughout March, Hilton is playing music during the service exclusively from the rich tradition of Irish folk songs. If you click on the arrow in the player below, you can hear 15 of the pieces he’s playing this month. This streaming music is for free and with no need to download anything.