Star Bright

The author and composer of “Star Bright,” Lorin F. Wheelwright, was a prominent musician and educator who wrote many hymns and children’s songs. Brother Wheelwright also served as a member of the Church’s Sunday School general board and as associate editor of The Instructor, a magazine for the Sunday School.

“Star Bright” was published in both English and Spanish in the October 1959 issue of The Instructor. In an accompanying article, Brother Wheelwright shared his thoughts about the song’s meaning, describing how the Book of Mormon prophet Samuel the Lamanite exhorted the people of his time to prepare for the coming of Christ. This event would be manifested by “a new star … such an one as ye never have beheld” (Helaman 14:5). Brother Wheelwright noted that though relatively few believed Samuel, those who did must have looked forward to the promised sign with joy and anticipation. Brother Wheelwright also encouraged all to “search [their] own hearts and the heavens for a sign of that great day when Christ will again return to the earth and in all His glory rescue mankind” (“Star Bright [Estrella de Luz],” The Instructor, Oct. 1959, 323). “Estrella de Luz” has been included in the Spanish children’s songbook since 1995.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Star Bright

Scriptures

Principles

A new star appeared in the sky when Jesus was born.
Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth because He loves us.
We look forward with joy to the time when Jesus Christ will return to the earth.

Questions to Ponder

How can thinking about the birth of Jesus Christ help us feel Heavenly Father’s love?
Why do you think Jesus is sometimes called “the Light of the World”?
How can listening to the Lord’s living prophet help you prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Do a “star” dance to the music together. Have family members hold hands and form a circle. As the music plays, raise your hands and step forward into the center, and then lower your hands and step back out. Move to the beat—slowly, quickly, or with quiet, gentle steps. Feel free to experiment with the rhythm and get creative! Choose a leader to guide the group; the leader might rotate the circle or add a special movement during the chorus. If your family doesn’t know the words yet, sing “loo” to the melody while you move. This simple star dance can be a fun, unifying experience for your family.
Teach about the meaning of the new star.
- Help your family connect with the miracle of the star that marked Jesus Christ’s birth. You could read Helaman 14:2–8, 3 Nephi 1:20–21, and Matthew 2:9–11 together. Discuss how the star was a sign of the Savior’s birth for people on both sides of the world.
- Sing “Star Bright,” which is from the perspective of those in the Book of Mormon who saw the star. Then sing another song that talks about the star over Bethlehem, such as “Stars Were Gleaming” or “The Nativity Song.” Invite your children to imagine how they might have felt seeing the star and what it would have meant to them.
- Cut out star shapes using paper, cardboard, or craft foam. Decorate them with glitter, stickers, or markers. On the back, children could write how they can follow Jesus Christ. Add string and hang the stars in your home as a reminder of Jesus Christ’s birth and His guiding light.