How Brightly Beams the Morning Star

Words and music: Philipp Nicolai

In 1597, a pestilence raged throughout Westphalia (a region of western Germany). Thousands of people died and few families escaped without the loss of one or more of their loved ones. Out of this tragedy sprang one of the greatest hymns, "How Brightly Beams the Morning Star."

Philipp Nicolai, author and composer of the hymn, was a pastor in the city of Unna. The pestilence had already taken its toll on several of his relatives. Early one morning, as he sat in his study, weary and downcast, he lifted up his heart to God, and found comfort in his sorrow. He forgot his cares and was seized with the inspiration to write this song.

Nicolai first published his hymn in 1599. It was used for almost all religious occasions, especially weddings, funerals, and Communion. As early as 1610, Nicolai's hymn appeared in the hymnal of Sweden, where it was used during the Christmas season.

Johann Sebastian Bach, the famous composer, apparently had a high regard for the tune, for he used it as a basic theme in one of his greatest organ preludes,35 and included it in one of his cantatas.


How Brightly Beams the Morning Star

How brightly beams the Morning Star!
What sudden radiance from afar
Doth glad us with its shining.
Thy word, Jesus, truly feeds us,
Rightly leads us, life bestowing.
Praise, O praise such love o'er flowing.

The ray of God that breaks our night
And fills the darkened souls with light,
Who long for truth were pining.
Thy word, Jesus, truly feeds us,
Rightly leads us, life bestowing.
Praise, O praise such love o'er flowing.