Modern CD reclaims ancient hymn_40504

Posted: 4/02/04

Modern CD reclaims ancient hymn

ATLANTA (RNS)–The latest CD from the popular “Passion” Christian student movement differs from most contemporary religious music. All the songs on it were composed more than 100 years ago, and the lyrics to at least one are 1,800 years old.

“Passion: Ancient and Modern Hymns–Live Songs of Our Faith,” was recorded at Northpoint Community Church in Atlanta when 1,300 campus pastors and community leaders gathered.

This collection was inspired by “Phos Hilaron,” perhaps the oldest surviving Christian hymn. Literally translated “hail gladdening light,” the hymn already was considered ancient by the fourth century.

In part, the hymn goes: “Hail, gladdening light, of his pure glory poured/Who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest/Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ our Lord/Now we are come to the sun's hour of rest/The lights of evening round us shine.”

Working with Chris Tomlin and the David Crowder Band, Passion director Louie Giglio saw the hymn as a musical connector to help believers bridge the past and the present. Written around A.D. 200, the melody of “Phos Hilaron” has been lost, but the words survive.

“It amazes me to think that we can participate in a song that's been sung for close to 2,000 years,” Tomlin said. He sings “No One More Worthy,” based on the ancient hymn, on the CD.

“Louie, David and I wanted to write something brand new from the core of this ancient hymn,” Tomlin says. “We don't pretend to think that it rivals the original but hope that it causes you to stop and marvel that you stand in a long line of followers of Christ.

“Somewhere along the way, tradition became a casualty in the explosion of contemporary worship that has swept the church around the globe in recent decades. Yet we would be fools to discard the rich treasures that have guided the church through the ages just because they are old.”