Come, Thou Bright and Morning Star
Come, Thou bright and morning star
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran Christology by presenting Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic hope and the source of salvation and comfort for believers. The text reflects the Lutheran emphasis on Christ-centered devotion and the assurance of God's gracious presence through the incarnate Word.
History & Background
Philipp Nicolai composed this hymn in 1599 as part of his meditations on the Christian life, originally in German as 'Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern.' The English text is a composite translation that appeared in various Lutheran hymnals throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 872
- Lutheran Worship — 28
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 539
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Philipp Nicolai in 1599, this hymn anchors Lutheran devotion in Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic hope—the Morning Star whose radiance pierces our darkness with the comfort of God's gracious presence.
Preaching Connection
This hymn moves from the Law's exposure of human darkness and longing to the Gospel's proclamation that Christ himself is the radiant answer—making it a powerful companion to any sermon on messianic fulfillment or the incarnation as God's gracious light.
Themes
Christ as Morning Star Longing for Christ's return Comfort and hope Messianic expectation Divine radiance