The Light of Faithfulness

“All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:3-5, 9

Each morning we are awakened to light. Light is life as it causes vegetation to grow, and is integral to the cycle of precipitation. Without light we would live in a barren land. On a psychological level, a lack of light can cause depression and a generally pessimistic outlook. Light is life. Perhaps that is why I am constantly drawn to the imagery of light in the Bible. Light is used for providence, for safety, for purity, and of course for salvation. And as we approach Christmas day, our minds can’t help but be reminded of the dawning of a new day – the breaking in of new life. As the song of Zechariah puts it in Luke 1:78-79:

“By the tender mercy of our God,
the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

And yet, as prevalent as I think the imagery of light is in the Bible, few worship songs convey this idea. However, there is one of particular significance. Phos Hilaron is an ancient Christian hymn originally written in Koine Greek. The hymn is known in English as 'Hail Gladdening Light' or 'O Resplendent Light'. It is the earliest known Christian hymn recorded outside of the Bible that is still being used today. It is found in a collection of songs to be sung in the morning, in the evening, before meals, and at candle lighting. The following version (translation) is from the 1979 American Book of Common Prayer:

O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
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.

May the image of light warm your soul this Christmas season and throughout the year, as we trust in the faithfulness of God just as we trust in the rising of the Sun.