I’ve been exploring some of the very modern worship songs as an old guy 😀. But now, I’ve decided to alternate between very modern hymns, old hymns, and in-between hymns, namely the worship songs from the 60s to the 90s that feature in hymnbooks such as Mission Praise. Today it’s the turn of the in-between hymns.
Today’s song is All Earth Was Dark (Lights to the World), from the 1986.
I didn’t find many instances of it on YouTube. I discovered it when searching YouTube for Mission Praise hymns back in 2017, when I was trying to find some new songs for our fellowship. And when I heard it, it sounded familiar. Perhaps I saw someone performing it somewhere. But it’s not one that we regularly sang, though I attempted to introduce it. I’d be sad if it were forgotten. I do love both the melody and the lyrics.
All Earth Was Dark Until You Spoke,
Then All Was Light And All Was Peace,
Yet Still, Oh God, So Many Wait,
To See The Flame Of Love Released.
Lights To The World, Oh Light Of Man,
Kindle In Us A Mighty Flame,
Till Every Heart Consumed By Love,
Shall Rise To Praise Your Holy Name.
John 1:9-13
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
Matthew 5:14-16
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
I can understand Jesus being a light more than I can understand Christians being lights. It would be wonderful if we were all such perfect models and examples to others. Yet, Jesus was that and they crucified him. So, people don’t always appreciate the light. But those who have an appetite for God do. And I remember my experience when I first came across those who were happy to share the gospel and their love for Christ. They drew me to Christ. They were my no means perfect people, but they shone the light.
Here are a few hymns about light:
And here are a few versions of today’s hymn. There are few to be found. I do hope that some more will appear sometime soon.
Hibernia Gospel 