Arise, Your Light Is Come!
Arise, your light is come!
The hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on justification through faith in Christ as the Light of the world, calling believers to active witness in response to God's redemptive grace. It reflects the Lutheran understanding of the Christian life as both gift (the light given) and task (arising to share that light).
History & Background
Ruth Duck composed this hymn in 1974 as a contemporary text addressing themes of light and Christian witness rooted in Isaiah's prophetic vision. The hymn has become widely used in mainline Protestant and ecumenical hymnals since its initial publication.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 141
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 314
- Glory to God — 84
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 79
- New Century Hymnal — 164
- Voices Together — 207
Bulletin Note
Ruth Duck's 1974 hymn echoes the Epiphany theme of light breaking into darkness, grounding the Christian life in both justification (light received) and sanctification (light shared).
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops the Law-Gospel movement: the call to arise addresses our spiritual slumber, while the gift of Christ's light announces the grace that alone empowers us to fulfill our calling as witnesses.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological imperative to awakening: from personal Spirit-empowered illumination, through liberation and reconciliation, to cosmic restoration and justice, culminating in eschatological peace
Themes
Light of Christ Mission and witness Resurrection hope Divine glory Discipleship