Sunday, December 17, 2017

O Gladsome Light

Christmas is the season of lights: lights on the tree, lights on the house, candles in the window.  As it turns out, the oldest hymn is about the Devine light.  This dates to Roman times - legend has it that St. Athenogenes composed this on his way to being martyred by Diocletian (ca. 305 AD).  However, it seems even older than this, dating back to possibly as early as 150 AD.

This hymn is still in use today, as part of the Eastern rites for Vespers, as well as Anglican and Lutheran services.

1 comment:

libertyman said...

Great music and for what the season is really about.