Morning Glory, Starlit Sky

By W. H. Vanstone

Lyrics

1. Morning glory, starlit sky,
soaring music, scholar s truth,
flight of swallows, autumn leaves,
memory s treasure, grace of youth:
2. Open are the gifts of God,
gifts of love to mind and sense;
hidden is love s agony,
love s endeavor, love s expense.
3. Love that gives, gives ever more,
gives with zeal, with eager hands,
spares not, keeps not, all outpours,
ventures all its all expends.
4. Drained is love in making full,
bound in setting others free,
poor in making many rich,
weak in giving power to be.
5. Therefore he who shows us God
helpless hangs upon the tree;
and the nails and crown of thorns
tell of what God s love must be.
6. Here is God: no monarch he,
throned in easy state to reign;
here is God, whose arms of love
aching, spent, the world sustain.
 

Psalm 19:1–4; Genesis 1:14–18; Psalm 8:3–4; Matthew 6:28–30

About This Hymn

“Morning Glory, Starlit Sky” is a Christian hymn written by William H. Vanstone, an English theologian, priest, and hymn writer. The hymn celebrates the beauty of the natural world and recognizes creation as a reflection of God’s glory and creative power.

The imagery in the hymn draws from the biblical understanding that the heavens declare the glory of God. Psalm 19:1–4 describes how the skies proclaim God’s handiwork, revealing His greatness through the order and beauty of the universe. The hymn echoes this idea by reflecting on the wonders of morning light, the night sky, and the rhythms of nature.

Another theme in the hymn comes from Genesis 1:14–18, which describes God’s creation of the sun, moon, and stars to give light and mark seasons and days. These elements of creation remind believers of God’s wisdom and design in forming the world.

The hymn also reflects the spirit of Psalm 8:3–4, where the psalmist considers the heavens and wonders at humanity’s place within God’s creation. By observing the beauty of the world, worshipers are led to humility and gratitude toward the Creator.

Additionally, the hymn recalls Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:28–30, where He points to the beauty of the lilies and other parts of creation as evidence of God’s care. Through these natural images, the hymn invites believers to trust in God’s provision and to respond with praise.

“Morning Glory, Starlit Sky” encourages worshipers to see the natural world as a testimony to God’s creative power and goodness. Through its poetic language and imagery, the hymn calls believers to recognize the Creator’s presence in the beauty and order of the world and to offer Him praise and thanksgiving.

Hymn Sheet for Morning Glory, Starlit Sky
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This hymn is found in these hymnals

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Latest Updated Hymnals

  • The United Methodist Hymnal (UMH)
    The United Methodist Hymnal (UMH)
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Hymn Information

image of Morning Glory, Starlit Sky of W. H. Vanstone
  • Category: Hymn
  • Tune: BINGHAM
  • Meter: 7.7.7.7
  • Author/Writer: W. H. Vanstone (1950)
  • Added: March 9, 2026
  • Last Updated: March 9, 2026
  • Views: 21

To view the author's biography, click their name above.

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