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The oldest hymn (or Christian song known by the name Philo Hilaron) outside of what is written in the Holy Bible was in the Greek language, ” O Gladsome Light,” also known as ” Hail, Gladdening Light.”  There is no exact year of use, but church history places it earlier than 4th century.  Here are several translations of this hymn. 

John Keble (1792-1896) Translation:
Hail, gladdening Light, of His pure glory poured,
Who is immortal Father, heavenly blest;
Highest and holiest—Jesus Christ our Lord!
Now are we come to the sun’s hour of rest;
All times are ordered in Thy Word alone,
Therefore the day and night Thy glories own.

The lights of evening now around us shine;
We hymn Thy blest humanity divine;
Worthiest art Thou at all times to be sung,
By grateful hearts, with undefilèd tongue,
Son of our God, Giver of life, alone!
Therefore shall all the worlds Thy glories own.

The following translation is more literal, and also just as beautiful as the above metered text.

O Gladsome Light of the holy glory of the Immortal Father, heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ. Now we have come to the setting of the sun and behold the light of evening. We praise God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For it is right at all times to worship Thee with voices of praise, O Son of God and Giver of Life, therefore all the world glorifies Thee.

Another translation use by the Orthodox church and maybe other denominations, notice the word “hymn” in this one is used as a verb, and very appropriately so.  Although not the most common usage, the word hymn also means to sing hymns, or sing songs of praise.

O Joyful Light of the holy glory of the immortal, heavenly, holy blessed Father, O Jesus Christ. Having come to the setting of the sun, having beheld the evening light, we hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. Meet it is at all times to hymn Thee with reverend voices, O Son of God, Giver of Life, wherefore the whole world doth glorify Thee.

During this time before Easter known as the Lenten season, many churches, and particularly those of a more liturgical nature, have evening worship services.  This is an excellent time to not only speak about this hymn, but to use it as well.

Many hymnals include this hymn, and although very beautiful when used, I often think that it is included for its historical value rather than for use, as it is sung so infrequently in worship services.

Here are some Scripture passages that may lead worship leaders / pastors to use this hymn.  It is well suited for use as an opening hymn, and also as the hymn following the sermon.  If you would like to look these verses up in the Holy Bible online, click here to go to Bible Gateway or look for the link to the right.>>>>>>>>>

Matthew 4:16
Luke 11:34
John 5:35
John 8:12
John 12:46
2 Corinthians 4:6
Ephesians 5:8
1 John 1:5

It is also possible to create a worship service on the theme of light, with a title such as Children of the Light.  You may wish to tell about this hymn, present a sermon based upon Jesus as the light entering the darkness (night).  Or, you might want to add other passages such as the ones above, or other hymns about light.  For more hymn ideas go to cyberhymnal :  click here to go to cyberhymnal.org.  There are many ways to search their offerings.  This is another excellent source of anything about Christian classics–just click on the title.  Christian Classics Ethereal Library.

Another idea is to use a tenebrae service on Good Friday with the gradual extinguishing of light, leaving the sanctuary with only as much light as necessary for those present to walk out in silence.

Very effective following this is to symbolically seal the sanctuary doors to represent the Jesus’ tomb.  Church members may at this point hold vigil, taking turns reading the four Gospels through the night, ending at some point on Saturday night with this hymn.  Easter Sunday morning the doors are re-opened to a sanctuary decorated for Christ’s resurrection.  At this point … Cry out! Shout! Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!