Brightest and Best facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brightest and Best
"Reginald Heber" (1822) by Thomas Phillips
Genre	Hymn
Written	1811
Text	Reginald Heber
Based on	Isaiah 60:1-6
Meter	11.10.11.10
Melody	"Morning Star" by James P. Harding, "Epiphany" by Joseph Thrupp, and "Star in the East" by William Walker

"Brightest and Best" is a famous Christian hymn. It is sometimes known by its first line, "Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning". This hymn was written in 1811 by Reginald Heber. He was an Anglican bishop. Heber wrote it to be sung during the Christian holiday of Epiphany. Epiphany celebrates the wise men's visit to baby Jesus.

The hymn first appeared in a book of hymns in 1827. This book was put together by Heber's wife after he passed away.

About the Hymn

Who Wrote It?

The words for "Brightest and Best" were written by Reginald Heber. He was an English bishop and hymn writer. Heber lived from 1783 to 1826. He wrote many hymns that are still sung today.

When Was It Written?

Heber wrote "Brightest and Best" in 1811. This was many years before it was published. It was meant for the Epiphany celebration. Epiphany is a Christian holiday. It remembers the journey of the wise men to see Jesus. It also celebrates Jesus being shown to the world.

Popular Tunes

"Brightest and Best" can be sung to several different melodies. Some of the well-known tunes include:

• "Morning Star" by James P. Harding
• "Epiphany" by Joseph Thrupp
• "Star in the East" by William Walker

The hymn has appeared in many hymnals. These include The Lutheran Hymnal and the 1966 Methodist hymnal.

Famous Recordings

Many artists have recorded "Brightest and Best." Some of these include:

• Glen Campbell
• Joanne Hogg
• Kathy Mattea (on her album Good News)

The traditional singer Jean Ritchie from Kentucky often sang this hymn. She shared a memory of her grandmother singing it quietly. This happened on Twelfth Night, which is the eve of Epiphany. The Library of Congress even recorded Jean Ritchie singing it in 1951.

Lyrics

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning;
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are shining;
Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Savior of all!

Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion,
Odors of Edom and offerings divine?
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?

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.