Brightest and Best (Star of the East)

"Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning" is a well-loved Epiphany hymn written in 1811 by Reginald Heber, who later became Bishop of Calcutta. Heber, a gifted poet and devout clergyman, sought to enrich English hymnody with texts that followed the rhythm of the church year. This hymn, originally titled Epiphany, reflects his desire to provide worship material that corresponded to biblical festivals and themes.

The hymn centers on the star that guided the Magi to Bethlehem, drawing worshipers into the mystery of Christ’s manifestation to the nations. The "brightest and best" star symbolizes both the heavenly sign and Christ Himself, who is the true light come into the world. The text contrasts worldly riches and costly gifts with the devotion of the heart, declaring that love and prayer are the truest offerings we can bring to the Savior.

Musically, the hymn has often been paired with different tunes, most famously with "Morning Star" by James P. Harding and "Star in the East," a traditional American folk melody from the Southern Harmony (1835). These settings have given the hymn both a stately, classical quality in some contexts and a folk-like simplicity in others, allowing it to reach diverse congregations across traditions. Its enduring popularity lies in its ability to combine biblical imagery with personal devotion, making it not only a hymn for Epiphany but also a prayer for all believers to offer Christ the gift of their lives.