HYMN #0173 SSS #173 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #173: There’s a light that is shining

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

There’s a light that is shining
in darkness,
While we wait for the dawning of day;
And it cheers us along on our journey,
Till the shadows shall vanish away!
So we’ll wait and watch for
the dawning,
The day of eternity blest;
Then take the wings of the morning,
And fly away to our rest.

From the sure word the prophets
have spoken,
There is light flashing forth
through the gloom;
For the Scripture can never be broken,
And the ing in His glory will come.

Now we sing ’mid the darkness
and shadows,
And we pray and we watch for the dawn;
Till the Day-star, in glory arising,
Shall betoken the coming of morn.

We are not of the night nor
of darkness,
Let us walk, then, as children of day;
Our weeping shall be for a moment,
And our joy shall ne’er vanish away!

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "There’s a light that is shining"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #173 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 4 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: P.M.
Stanza Structure: 4 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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