VocalEssence Chorus & Ensemble Singers; JoAnna Swantek-Johnson, soprano; Samuel Baker, tenor; Stu Janis, Hammered Dulcimer

Hail the dawn! See the great mediator. Down from the regions of glory descend. Shepherds go look for the babe in the manger. Follow the star where the angels attend. Cold on his cradle the dew drops are shining. Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall. Angels surround him in slumber reclining. While high in the heavens is a lone sentinel. Brightest and best of the stars of the morning. Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid. Star of the east, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant redeemer is laid. Shall we not yield him in costly devotion. Odors of Edom and off’rings sublime. Gems from the mountains and pearls of the ocean. Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine. Vainly we offer each ample oblation. Vainly with gifts would his favor secure. Richer by far is the hearts adoration. Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor. Brightest and best of the stars of the morning. Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid. Star of the east, the horizon adorning, Guide where our infant redeemer is laid. --- There’s a star in the east on Christmas morn. Rise up shepherd and follow. It’ll lead to the spot where the Savior’s born. Rise up shepherd and follow! Leave your sheep and leave your lambs Rise up shepherd and follow. Leave your yews and leave your rams. Rise up shepherd and follow. If you pay good heed to the angel’s word. Rise up shepherd and follow. You’ll forget your flock, you’ll forget your herd. Rise up shepherd and follow. Follow. Follow. Rise up shepherd and follow. Follow the star of Bethlehem. Rise up shepherd and follow.