Christ Is the World's True Light

Christ Is the World's True Light

Text written in 1931 by George W. Briggs (1875-1959)

Sung to DARMSTADT, composed in 1679 by Ahasuerus Fritsch (1629-1701), arranged by J. S. Bach (1685-1750)

2 Peter 1:19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 

V. 1 Christ is the world's true light,

Its captain of salvation,

The daystar clear and bright

Of every man and nation;

New life, new hope awakes

Where'er men own His sway:

Freedom her bondage breaks, 

And night is turned to day.

Isaiah 2:4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.

V. 2 In Christ all races meet,

Their ancient feuds forgetting,

The whole round world complete,

From sunrise to its setting:

When Christ is throned as Lord,

Men shall forsake their fear,

To plowshare beat the sword,

To pruning-hook the spear.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

V. 3 One Lord, in one great name

Unite us all who own Thee,

Cast out our pride and shame

That hinder to enthrone Thee;

The world has waited long,

Has travailed long in pain,

To heal its ancient wrong,

Come, Prince of Peace, and reign.