Scripture Verse

The light of the righteous rejoiceth. Proverbs 13:9

Introduction

Words: Ed­win P. Park­er, in The Chris­tian Hym­nal, 1889.

Music: Lugn Vil­ar Sjön Hein­rich Pfeil (1835–1899) (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Pfeil (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Edwin P. Parker (1836–1920)

Lyrics

Hail, holy light! The world rejoices
As morning breaks and shadows fly;
All nature blends her myriad voices
To greet the dayspring from on high,
To greet the dayspring from on high.

Break forth, in glo­ry far excelling,
O light eter­nal, love divine!
Let Thy bright beams, all shades dispelling,
Around us and within us shine,
Around us and within us shine.

The heav’nly hosts fall down before Thee,
And Holy! cry, nor ever rest;
The saints on earth, with them, adore Thee,
Creator, Sav­ior, Spi­rit blest,
Creator, Sav­ior, Spi­rit blest.

O God, if we could duly praise Thee,
Could we but voice the love we see,
As sweet as song as angels raise Thee,
Our Sabbath morning hymn should be,
Our Sabbath morning hymn should be.

Accept, O Fa­ther, we entreat Thee,
The worship which Thy children bring;
O, grant us grace in Heav’n to greet Thee,
And with all saints Thy love to sing,
And with all saints Thy love to sing.