DESCRIPTION:
An old American hymn from the Sacred Harp tradition of 'a capella' singing which flourished in the north eastern United States in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and spread to the southern states. The noble melody is anonymous but the text, which is a meditation on the Christmas story, is by Reginald Heber and was written in 1811:

Hail the blest morn! See the great Mediator
down from the regions of glory descend.
Shepherds go worship the babe in the manger;
lo! for his guard the bright angels attend.
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid.
Star in the East, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining,
low lies His bed with the beasts of the stall.
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,
wise men and shepherds before Him do fall.
Brightest and best, etc . . .

Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would His favor secure.
Richer by far is the heart's adoration,
dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Brightest and best, etc . . .