5 O NATA LUX DE LUMINE
The oldest text known of this hymn is from a tenth-century MS. It is in the Sarum Breviary (1495), also in that of Aberdeen (1509), which is substantially that of Sarum, and one of the very few surviving service-books of the Pre-Reformation period in Scotland.
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O Light that from the light wast born, Redeemer of the world forlorn, In mercy now Thy suppliants spare, Our praise accept, and hear our prayer. | Thou who didst wear our flesh below, To save our souls from endless woe, Of Thy blest Body, Lord, would we Efficient members ever be. | More bright than sun Thine aspect gleamed, As snowdrift white Thy garments seemed, When on the mount Thy glory shone, To faithful witnesses alone. | There did the seers of old confer With those who Thy disciples were; And Thou on both didst shed abroad The glory of the eternal God. | From heaven the Father’s voice was heard That Thee the eternal Son declared; And faithful hearts now love to own Thy glory, King of heaven, alone. | Grant us, we pray, to walk in light, Clad in Thy virtues sparkling bright, That, upward borne by deeds of love, Our souls may win the bliss above. | Loud praise to Thee our homage brings, Eternal God, Thou King of kings, Who reignest one, Thou one in three, From age to age eternally. | |