| Contents | Iesus Refulsit Omnium Jesus shone forth |
Epiphania |
This hymn holds the distinction of being the earliest known Christmas hymn. It is ascribed to StHilary of Poitiers St. Hilary of Poitiers (c. 310 - Jan. 13, 368). It was composed in the middle of the 4th century after Constantine legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire and St. Hilary returned from exile due to the Arians. The date of composition is often shown as 358 AD. St. Hilary composed a number of hymns. He and St. Ambrose are credited with the introduction of hymns in the West. Until then, the West relied totally on the Psalms for its hymns. St. Hilary composed a number of hymns for the early Church, but as time went on, they were replaced by other authors. None of his hymns are present in the Roman Breviary today. However, in the Liturgia Horarum, this hymn appears at Lauds for the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
|
| IESUS refulsit omnium Pius Redemptor gentium; Totum genus fidelium Laudes celebret dramatum. |
JESUS shone forth, the loving Redeemer of all nations; let the whole company of the faithful celebrate His praises in this unfolding drama. |
| Quem stella natum fulgida Monstrat micans in aethera, Magosque ducit praevia Ipsius ad cunabula. |
Whom, newly born, a radiant star reveals, glittering in the heavens, and guides the Magi, leading them to His cradle. |
| Illi cadentes parvulum Pannis adorant obsitum, Verum fatentur ut Deum, Munus ferendo mysticum. |
They, falling down, adore the little one wrapped in swaddling clothes; they confess Him truly to be God, carrying their mystic gifts. |
| Denis ter annorum cyclis, Iam parte vivens temporis, Lympham petit baptismatis, Cunctis carens contagiis. |
When thrice cycles of ten years, had passed, now living a part of time, He seeks the waters of baptism, free from every stain. |
| Felix Ioannes mergere Illum tremiscit flumine, Potest suo qui sanguine Peccata cosmi tergere. |
Blessed John trembles to immerse Him in the river, He who by His own blood is able to wipe away the sins of the world. |
| Vox ergo Prolem de polis Testatur excelsa Patris, Virtus adestque Pneumatis, Sancti datrix charismatis. |
Then a voice from heaven bears witness to the offspring of the Father on high; and the power of the Spirit is present, the giver of holy grace. |
| Nos, Christe, subnixa prece Omnes, precamur, protege, Qui praecipis rubescere Aquas potenter hydriae. |
We all beseech Thee, O Christ, with humble prayer: protect us, Thou who commandeth the waters to blush with wine in mighty jars. |
| Laus Trinitati debita, Honor, potestas omnium, Perenniter sint omnia Per saeculorum saecula. Amen |
Praise due to the Trinity, honor and power over all, be theirs forever, unto ages of ages. Amen. |
| Text is from The Liturgical Year: Christmas Vol II, Very Rev. Dom Prosper Gueranger, Abbot Of Solesmes, 1868. Tr. MWM. |
<- Prev |
Next-> |
