It was written by English Roman Catholic composer, church-musician and
social-justice activist (ref) Bernadette Farrell (b 1957). Originally published in the USA in 1993 by OCP, it has since been
included in many Catholic publications on both sides of the Atlantic. It
has also crossed denomination boundaries: It is included in hymn books in the
Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican and Lutheran traditions, and is used in
worship services by many different churches.
The hymn is included in many in-print hymn books, and sheet music can also be purchased from OCP. A version with separate verses for the Easter Vigil has also been published "This is the night of new beginnings ... " - this is also available.
With meter 98.96 with refrain, the unnamed tune, also by Farrell, is sometimes also referred by as CHRIST BE OUR LIGHT. It has a 3/4 time signature, and in the key of G the first few notes are B, EF G F E D E B,.
The song has five verses. Each is four lines long, and there is a four-line chorus which is repeated after each verse. A rough outline is:
The hymn is included in many in-print hymn books, and sheet music can also be purchased from OCP. A version with separate verses for the Easter Vigil has also been published "This is the night of new beginnings ... " - this is also available.
With meter 98.96 with refrain, the unnamed tune, also by Farrell, is sometimes also referred by as CHRIST BE OUR LIGHT. It has a 3/4 time signature, and in the key of G the first few notes are B, EF G F E D E B,.
Downloads
This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).
Examples
Solo singer, self accompanied on guitar:
Enthusiastic college choir with organ and band backing:
Professional singer with piano accompaniment:
Singer with band - professional recording:
Cantor and choir, piano accompaniment:
Church music group with keyboard:
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on the Six Maddens website - and many others also.The song has five verses. Each is four lines long, and there is a four-line chorus which is repeated after each verse. A rough outline is:
1 Longing for light, we wait in darkness ...
Chorus:
Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
2 Longing for peace, our world is troubled ...
3 Longing for food, many are hungry ...
4 Longing for shelter, many are homeless ....
5 Many the gifts, many the people ...
No comments:
Post a Comment