O Gladsome Light

According to my research, this is one of the earliest known Christian hymns recorded outside of Scripture. It is still used today in the Orthodox Church. I did find one account which stated that this hymn’s origin could conceivably go back to the first apostles. By the 4th Century the hymn was considered quite old. At that time in Jerusalem a candle was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship, the hymn was sung and, in a tradition known as the lighting of the lamps, the candle was brought forth from the tomb, its bright, solitary flame calling the Church to celebrate their risen Lord.

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.

~Unknown Author