BRIGHTEST AND BEST

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning

Shine on our darkness and send us your aid

Star of the east the horizon is dawning

Guide where our infant redeemer is laid.

We met out on the Great Silk Road, a night of many stars

Astrologers who never met before

We believed the signs foretold but we knew only part

Of little known or long forgotten lore

By chance it seemed, we met that night, encamped upon the plain

Behold, a star was shining like a gem.

Jupiter and Venus bright high above us shone

We knew that we must see Jerusalem

We rode in through the city gate and lodged our caravan

We dined with merchants telling of our quest

“Your new king must be sent by fate; we’ve come to worship him,

For we have seen his star out in the west.”

The rumor spread throughout the town, like fire it gave alarm

A guard was sent before us to escort

Us to Herod in his crown, a scepter on his arm

And this is what we said before the court:

“Jupiter reveals a king, the heavens tell the news

Joined with Venus this must mean a child.”

We asked Herod, “Where is he, born king of the Jews?”

Herod did seem troubled, but he smiled.

“Welcome, magi, from afar,” said Herod on his throne,

“Though we have only rumors of your fame.

Tell me wise men, who you are, and tell from whence you came,

And how you gained the knowledge you proclaim.”

“We are the brightest and the best sages of our time-

though we live in darkness, this is clear.

Upon our quest we will not rest, for we have seen a sign.

Hear now how our journeys brought us here.”