I am the Light of the World - Strathdee

This hymn is a hymn about Jesus, the light of the world.  It is based on based on John 8:12, and a poem, “The Work of Christmas” written by American theologian, Howard Thurman (1900-1981).  

The first verse is specifically for suitable for Epiphany or the first Sunday after Christmas when Christmas music is not used and the  decorations have been taken down.   The other verses are about more more general social-awareness / justice themes, meaning the song can be used at other times of the year by simply leaving the first verse out.

The song was written by American United Methodist church musician, composer and performing artist Jim Strathdee (b 1941), and first published in 1969 by Strathdee's company, Desert Flower Music.

With irregular meter, the tune, also by Strathdee, is called LIGHT OF THE WORLD in some books.  It has a 4/4 time signature and is in a major key.  In F the first few notes are d dd c c B A.

Sheet music is available in the Strathdee's songbook In the Highest Glory: All Creation Sings - Carols for Advent, Christmas & Epiphany, which can be purchased (via almost-instant download) from their website (link below).

Downloads

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Buy sheet music from the Strathdee's website

Examples

Solo singer with guitar (some idiosyncrasies in the tune)

Church choir with piano accompaniment

Jim and June Strathdee performing live

Singers with piano-led backing

Singer with light piano accompaniment - on-screen lyrics

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. The song starts with a four-line chorus, and this is repeated after each of the four verses. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
'I am the light of the world!
You people come and follow me!'
If you follow and love you'll learn the mystery
of what you were meant to do and be.

1  When the song of the angels is stilled ..

2  To find the lost and lonely one ...
.
3  To free the prisoner from all chains,...

4  To bring hope to every task you do ...

See more ....

• Hymns for Epiphany
• Hymns about justice issues

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and the shepherds have found their way home, the work of Christmas is begun: I am the light of the world! You people come and follow me! If you follow and love you'll learn the mystery of what you were meant to do and be. 2 To find the lost and lonely one, to heal the broken soul with love, to feed the hungry children with warmth and good food, to feel the earth below, the sky above! 3 To free the prisoner from all chains, to make the powerful care, to rebuild the nations with strength of good will, to see God's children everywhere! 4 To bring hope to every task you do, to dance at a baby's new birth, to make music in an old person's heart, and sing to the colours of the earth!