Our fathers thought that they should welcome the gift of evening lifght with something better than silence, so they gave thanks as soon as it appeared. We cannot say who composed these words of thanksgiving at the lighting of the lamps, but the people use these ancient words, and no one accuses them of blaspheming for sing: "We praise Father, Son, and God's Holy Spirit." -- St. Basil the Great *On the Holy Spirit* par. 73
[Note, his reference is to the song we still sing in Evening Prayer: "Joyous Light of Glory" or in Greek Phos Hilaron. It runs like this:
Joyous Light of glory
Of the immortal Father,
Heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ.
We have come to the setting of the sun
And we look to the evening light.
We sing to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy of being praised with pure voices forever,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
The universe proclaims Your glory.]
6 comments:
Quit stealing our hymns! We don't steal yours! :)
Christos anesti!
Hey, you do so. Just check out the St. Ambrose Hymnal:
Ah, Holy Jesus, how hast thou offended? #91
How Brightly Shines the Morning Star #295
And so much more!
And remember that "O Gladsome Light" was even in TLH!
Blessed Bright Week to you! Alithos anesti!
Ok, let me clarify that the Eastern Rite doesn't steal your hymns, so quit stealing ours or at least become Eastern Rite Lutherans. It's not so crazy as it sounds!
So, St. Basil the Great thought of the Phos Hilaron as ancient?
Very cool. It's one of my favorite pieces of liturgy, hands down.
Mine too. And I love the music for it in LSB (originally from LBW).
For over ten years now, "Joyous Light of Glory" has been one of my most used hymns I use in day-ending devotions. Yet, only recently has its first word, "joyous," had a strong impact.
Why "joyous" at the end of the day? We are bedding down, ending the day in our Lord's Triune name, and quickly going to sleep.
The answer nearly leapt from the book of Hebrews. "For the joy set for Him," Christ Jesus "endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb. 12:2) Jesus greatest joy is the salvation of sinners! His joy continues in sustaining us whom He has called to faith through the Gospel.
Jesus, "joyous Light of glory," gives us joy throughout each day; in Him we lie down and sleep in peace. He alone makes us dwell in safety. (Ps. 4:8)
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