O Nata Lux

For SATB Choir and Strings Duration: 7:30
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"O Nata Lux de lumine:" "O light born of light," derives its imagery from the Gospel of John - which in turn is inspired by Genesis itself. The birth of Christ is the new beginning ("behold, I make all things new") of creation - destined to be made whole by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. This setting begins in darkness with the strings and emerges into light with the entrance of the choir. Christ as both the mysterious light of salvation and King of the Jews is embodied with music that is at times hazy and impressionistic or more rhythmically and melodically assertive.
O NATA LUX WAS completed in August of 2005, and premiered by the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church, Berkeley; Mitchell Covington, conducting.

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Text of O Nata Lux

O Nata Lux de lumine

Jesu redemptor saeculi

Dignare Clemens supplicum

Laudes preces que sumere.

Qui carne quondam contegi

Dignatus est pro perditis

Nos membra confer effici

Tui beati corporis.

O Light born of light

Jesus, Redeemer of the world,

Mercifully deem us worthy

To offer prayers and praise.

You who once deigned to become flesh

For the sake of your lost ones

Grant that we become members

Of your holy Body.

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