This carol was written in or before 1811 by Anglican bishop Reginald Heber (1783-1826) and was written for Epiphany, but is now often sung as a carol. Heber was vicar of the family estate of Hodnet, Shropshire where he served for 16 years before accepting the position of Bishop of Calcutta (Kolkata) in India. Most of the hymns he wrote were written when he was in Shropshire, the most well known is Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty.
This version of Brightest and Best of the sons of the morning is performed by the prolific modern hymn writers from Northern Ireland Keith and Kristyn Getty (known for In Christ Alone) with Ricky Skaggs.
Hail blessed morn, see the great Mediator
Down from the regions of glory descend
Shepherds go worship the babe in a manger
Lo, for a guard the bright angels attend
Say, shall we yield Him, in costly devotion
Fragrance of Edom and off'rings divine?
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean
Myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?
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 was laid
Vainly we offer each ample oblation
Vainly with gifts would His favour secure
Richer by far is the heart's adoration
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor
Cold on His cradle the dewdrops were shining
Low lies His bed with the beasts of the stall
Angels adore Him, in slumbers reclining
Wise men and shepherds before Him do fall