Father of Light
Lyrics by Susan Bentall Boersma. Music by Craig Courtney. Adapted from Psalm 56, vv. 3, 4, and 13.
[Edit: Fixed the title. It’s “Light”, not “Lights”. Different book entirely.]
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Father of Light
In memory of Jonathan Richard White, July 31, 1984 - August 10, 2003.
From the sheet music notes (also found here):
“Father of Light” is another stirring choral work written by Craig Courtney. Like “Let There Be Light,” it also addresses the creative power of God, but it focuses mostly upon His providence—especially in times of trouble. The lyrics were written by Susan Bentall Boersma and are loosely drawn from Psalm 56.
This piece was commissioned by the Sanctuary Choir of Third Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, in memory of Jonathan Richard White, the son of its music director John Stone White. Jonathan was a teenager who struggled with long-term depression and who, despite his persistent faith in God, in the end took his own life.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Jonathan’s family came to more deeply appreciate the magnitude of his struggle, as witnessed by what he wrote in his journal and Bible, and they noted that he returned frequently to the Psalms to find comfort in his distress. In contrast to the sadness surrounding this young man’s death, Courtney’s writing in this piece is uniformly strong and triumphant.
“Father of Light” opens with a vocal solo—indicative perhaps of a personal statement of faith—expressing confidence in God’s leading and protection.
This solo is followed by unison singing in the lower voices which echoes the sentiments of the soloist. As the piece progresses, more parts are added and the harmonies become richer, until at last the music moves into a higher key, the piano drops out, and all the voices reiterate the words of the opening solo at a loud dynamic.
A final entry of the soloist brings this work to its close and reminds the listener that God is sovereign in all things—even great suffering.
~ Notes by Chad Houk
This work was surprising difficult for the choir to learn. It is heavily syncopated, laced with moving parts and, as I soon discovered, varied in its harmonization even when repeating the same words. It is a beautiful piece inspired by a very sad situation.
We presented it slightly differently from the above description, bringing in the full choir at the end of the first solo, rather than just the tenors and basses as indicated in the score. In the past it had been sung with the full choir entering earlier, before the marked end of the solo.
The lyrics are special for me, because I had gone through roughly 28 years, in my younger days from about age 12-40, of something not unlike what Jonathan Richard White ultimately succumbed to. I didn’t give in, but it was very close but for an intervention that occurred near the end of that time. If I had been born to a later generation as was he — he was 34 years younger — I don’t know.
While I thought I had put that behind me thirty years ago, I found myself crying at the place where we came in (after “when I cry…”, below). I had practiced at home, coming in at the earlier place (“in the midst of my fear”, below), and that was even worse to the point where I wasn’t sure I could even do this. Crying while singing is a mess to be avoided. With the later entry and enough times through in practice it turned out OK. But wow.
Partial lyrics, from the publisher’s preview…
All praise to the name of the Father of light,
One who listens and hears when I call.
Every step He ordains, I shall walk without fear.
In His light I’ll not stumble or fall,
In His light I’ll not stumble or fall.What can mortal man do while I’m safe in his hand?
He is God - on His word I rely.
In the midst of my fear I will trust in His name,
For I know He will hear when I cry.He knows all of my feelings, the depths of despair,
All the limits my soul can endure.
I will trust in His Name, I have nothing to lose,
for in Him all my hopes are secure.All praise to the name of the Father of light, …
Recorded at Christ Community Church, Carmichael, California, May 19, 2024
Excerpted from this livestream.