O Joyous Light of Glory

Hymn Information

First Line: Now as we come to the setting of the sun
Author (attributed to): Athenogenes (2nd c.)
Translator: Mepkin Abbey
Text Source: <i>Phos Hilaron</i>
Tune Name: JOYEUSE LUMIERE
Composer: A. Gouzes
Topic: Daily Prayer: Evening · Time

Copyright Information

Text Copyright

Public Domain

Tune Copyright

Reprint/Projection Information

Words: The Words are in the Public Domain; you do not need permission to project or reprint the Words.
Music: Please contact the copyright holder for permission.

Full Text

Refrain:
O joyous light of glory,
eternal splendor of the Father,
holy blessed Son, Jesus Christ!

1 Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
the evening lamp is lit;
we sing to the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit. [Refrain]

2 At all times you are worthy to be praised
with lips undefiled;
O Son of God, giver of life,
all creation sings your glory. [Refrain]

3 Let my prayer, O Lord, arise
before you like incense,
and the raising of my hands
be as an evening sacrifice. [Refrain]

4 Therefore in celebrating your glory,
we proclaim the love of the Father,
in the light of the Spirit,
burning seal which makes you one!

Scripture References

Psalm 141:2
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2 Corinthians 13:14
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Hebrews 13:15
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1 John 5:6-12

Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References

The spirit of this song can come only from those who thankfully receive each day as a gift from God’s hand. Our World Belongs to God, paragraph 44 teaches, “Life is a gift from God’s hand” which we receive thankfully “with reverence for the Creator...” (paragraph 44).

The call for God’s help in our daily living arises from those who are confident of his fatherly care; consider reading Belgic Confession, Article 13 and Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 9, Question and Answer 26.

392

O Joyous Light of Glory

Tune Information

Name: JOYEUSE LUMIERE
Key: F Major

392

O Joyous Light of Glory

Author Information

The Phos Hilaron is an ancient hymn written in New Testament Greek. It’s Latin title is Lumen Hilare, and is known in English as “Hail Gladdening Light” or “O Gladsome/Joyous Light.” It is the earlist known Christian hymn outside the Bible that is still in use today. It was first recorded by an unknown author in Apostolic Constitutions, written in the late 3rd or 4th century A.D. It was a prayer to be sung in the morning, before meals, in the evening, and at candle lights. It is today part of the Vespers in the Eastern Orthodox Church, and is also included in some modern Anglican and Lutheran liturgies.

— Laura de Jong

Composer Information

André Gouzes is a Dominian priest who turned the twelfth-century Cisterian abbey of Sylvanes into a modern liturgical and cultural center in the south of France. His music is readily accessible to congregations due to predictable harmonic progressians.

— GIA Publications, Inc. (http://www.giamusic.com)