St.Basil the Great writes in the fourth century:

'Our ancestors did not think it right to accept the blessing of the lamplight in the evening in silence. The moment it appeared, they would thank God for it. Who the author of this hymn of thanksgiving was we cannot say, but it is very old and the people still sing it.'

Likewise, I cannot light the lamp this evening without praising God for His Merciful Hand in my life. (Remember, for the early Jewish believers the new day began at sundown.) I never expected to be so honored as to be here to praise Him for another birthday. I join my praise to that of the saints of the second century who proclaimed the PHOS HILARON:

Now,as the sun sets in the west,
soft lamplight glows as evening starts;
thus,light from light, God's Son all blest
comes from the immortal Father's heart;

We therefore sing our joyful songs
to Father, Holy Spirit, Son,
to whom in every age belongs
by right all praise from every tongue.

Lord Jesus, Son of God, from you
all life,all joy come forth this night;
the world, and each soft glowing hue,
reflect the glory of your light.

The marvelous photo is by Paul Wittreich.