Scripture Verse

We have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. Matthew 2:2

Introduction

illustration
The Star of Bethlehem
Gustave Doré
1832–1883

Words: Ida L. Reed, in Gifts for the King, 1913. Some hym­nals in­cor­rect­ly give the au­thor as Ida Reed Smith.

Music: Ira B. Wil­son (🔊 pdf nwc). Some hym­nals show the com­pos­er as Fred B. Hol­ton, Wil­son’s pseu­do­nym.

portrait
Ida L. Reed
1865–1951

Lyrics

O star of matchless splendor,
We hail thy beauteous light;
We hail the glorious tidings
Of that first Christmas night.
No star of all the glorious train,
That decks Heav’n’s azure plain,
Compares with thy celestial ray,
O star of hope most bright.

Refrain

Beautiful star, wonderful star,
Guiding us onward thro’ earth’s darkest night;
Bright is thy beaming, golden thy gleaming,
Beautiful, beautiful star so bright.

O star of matchless splendor,
Tho’ centuries have rolled
Away since thy clear shining
Bathed Bethlehem in gold,
Thy beams are falling pure and clear,
On lands afar and near,
And every day more wonderful
Thy message doth unfold.

Refrain

O star of matchless splendor,
On every land shine clear,
Till all shall see thy radiance,
And thy sweet message hear.
Till every shadow of the night
Is lost in conquering light,
And all the world thy Lord shall know,
O star of love so dear.

Refrain