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 very modern hymns.
Today’s song is Light of the World from 2013.
The title of this one is from one of my favourite verses:
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Within Christianity, as with other religions, there’s a wide range of theological opinions and perspectives. At times, I’ve got a little bogged down wondering who was right and who was wrong about this and that 😀. But the key thing is simple – follow Jesus. And loving God, loving others, and humbly asking God’s forgiveness isn’t complicated. Of course, I am interested in theology and getting things right. But none of that should distract me from simple, child-like faith.
Luke 18:15-17
15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
The hymn speaks about the longing for the Messiah. The final book in our Old Testament is Malachi, which anticipated the coming of the Messiah, but perhaps many didn’t realize that it would take so long – around 400 years. But then it happened! The baby arrived! The hymn is sometimes asscociated with Christmas. And of course, we’re waiting even longer for the return of Jesus, but it too will happen:
2 Peter 3:8-9
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Here are some other versions of today’s hymn:
Hibernia Gospel 