"O gracious Light"

Phos hilaron (Φῶς Ἱλαρόν) is an ancient Christian hymn originally written in New Testament Greek. It is the earliest known Christian hymn outside of the Bible that is still in use today. The hymn is part of vespers in the Eastern Orthodox Church and in modern Anglican liturgies. It is in the Lutheran Book of Worship (the green hymnal that we use at Grace) with different music and a slightly different translation that begins “O joyous light of glory.”

In 5-6 choir we are singing a setting of this text by Gerald Near, composed for children's voices. The students will be assigned the text as memory work:

O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heav’n,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed,
now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices.
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified throughout all the worlds.

Here are some other musical interpretations of this text:

A men and boys choir in England:

A chant from the Eastern Orthodox tradition:

A music video featuring a Christian rock band's interpretation:

Which one do you like best?