O Gracious Light
SATB Choir and Organ. This ecstatic setting by Robert Lee isn't easy, but, oh MY!, what a gorgeous anthem. Use for your evening service. The Phos Hilaron is an ancient hymn originally written in New Testament Greek. Often referred to by its Latin title Lumen Hilare it has been translated into English and is the earliest known Christian hymn recorded outside of the Bible that is still in use today.
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 through all the worlds. Amen.