Scripture Verse

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:1–2

Introduction

illustration
Adoration of the Magi
Rogier van der Weyden
1399–1464

Words: God­frey Thring, 1873.

Music: Ros­more Hen­ry G. Trem­bath, 1893 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Thring (head-and-shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Henry G. Trembath
1843–1908

Lyrics

From the eastern mountains,
Pressing on, they come,
Wise men in their wisdom,
To His humble home;
Stirred by deep devotion,
Hasting from afar,
Ever journeying onward,
Guided by a star.

Refrain

Light of life that shineth
Ere the worlds began,
Draw Thou near, and lighten
Every heart of man.

There their Lord and Savior
Meek and lowly lay,
Wondrous Light that led them
Onward on their way,
Ever now to lighten
Nations from afar,
As they journey homeward
By that guiding star.

Refrain

Thou who in a manger
Once hast lowly lain,
Who dost now in glory
O’er all kingdoms reign,
Gather in the heathen
Who in lands afar
Ne’er have seen the brightness
Of Thy guiding star.

Refrain

Gather in the outcasts,
All who’ve gone astray,
Throw Thy radiance o’er them,
Guide them on their way.
Those who never knew Thee,
Those who’ve wandered far,
Guide them by the brightness
Of Thy guiding star.

Refrain

Onward through the darkness
Of the lonely night,
Shining still before them
With Thy kindly light.
Guide them, Jew and Gentile,
Homeward from afar,
Young and old together,
By Thy guiding star.

Refrain

Until every nation,
Whether bond or free,
’Neath Thy starlit banner,
Jesus, follows Thee.
O’er the distant mountains
To that heavenly home,
Where nor sin nor sorrow
Evermore shall come.

Refrain