O CHRIST, WHO ART THE LIGHT AND DAY

 

"There shall be no night there…for the Lord God giveth them light." Revelation 22:5

 

Words: Attributed to Ambrose of Milan, 4th Century (Christe qui lux es et dies); translated from Latin to English by William J. Copeland and others in The English Hymnal (London: Oxford University Press, 1906).

 

Music: "Alfreton," A Supplement to the New Version of Psalms, by Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady, 1708 (MIDI, score). Alternate tune:

 

"St. Gregory," from Choralbuch, by Johann B. König, 1738 (MIDI, score)

O Christ, Who art the Light and Day,

Thou drivest darksome night away!

We know Thee as the Light of light

Illuminating mortal sight.

 

All holy Lord, we pray to Thee,

Keep us tonight from danger free;

Grant us, dear Lord, in Thee to rest,

So be our sleep in quiet blest.

 

Let not the tempter round us creep

With thoughts of evil while we sleep,

Nor with his wiles the flesh allure

And make us in Thy sight impure.

 

And while the eyes soft slumber take,

Still be the heart to Thee awake,

Be Thy right hand upheld above

Thy servants resting in Thy love.

 

Yea, our Defender, be Thou nigh,

To bid the powers of darkness fly;

Keep us from sin, and guide for good

Thy servants purchased by Thy blood.

 

Remember us, dear Lord, we pray,

While in this mortal flesh we stay:

"Tis Thou Who dost the soul defend*

Be present with us to the end.

 

Blest Thee in One and One in Three,

Almighty God, we pray to Thee,

That Thou wouldst now vouchsafe to bless

Our fast with fruits of righteousness.