Lux Aeterna
Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine,
cum sanctis tuis in aeternum,
quia pius es.
Requiem aeterna dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis,
cum sanctis tuis in aeternum,
quia pius es.
May eternal light shine upon them, Lord,
with Thy saints for evermore,
for Thou art good.
Give them eternal rest, Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them,
With Thy saints for evermore,
for Thou art good.
Lux aeterna is traditionally sung for a Requiem Mass, but its focus on light feels so appropriate for Advent. I think there is a reason that Christmas, for us in the northern climes, is in the deep of winter—other than the fact that it falls (intentionally) near the pagan festival of the winter solstice. The symbolism of light in Advent is so prevalent for us to whom the dark and chill come so early and last so long. It is a literal manifestation of the Light dawning on those “who walked in darkness” (Isaiah 9:2).
I want to share a certain musical setting of these words by Sarah Quartel, a contemporary Canadian composer. Her composition is just beautiful. This particular recording is sung by Ariose Women’s Choir, a local choir that I have had the pleasure of singing in for the past year and a half, though this recording was made before I joined them. Enjoy!
Lastly, I have two notes before I leave you all to your Yuletide awaitings and festivities.
First, registration for the Tolkien Club is now full. Thank you to all who shared and registered and for sending such enthusiastic name suggestions my way. I understand I am not the only one who is fairly giddy with excitement about it all!
Second, this shall be the last post for this year and I shall begin afresh, every other week, in January on the 6th/7th, or perhaps the week after.
A blessed Christmas to you all. Lux aeterna luceat vobis, “May light eternal shine upon you.”
Other poems from this year’s Advent series:
Advent Calendar, by Rowan Williams
Poems from other years:
Advent 2020
Remembered Lore 