Christ Be Our Light

Longing for light we wait in darkness longing for truth we turn to you

A hymn of longing for the light of Christ in a world of darkness and hunger. The five stanzas address different dimensions of human need — longing for light, truth, shelter, and hope — all answered in Christ as the light of the world.

History & Background

Written by Bernadette Farrell (b.1957) in 1994. One of the most significant contemporary liturgical hymns of the late 20th century, widely used across Catholic and mainline Protestant denominations.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 715
  • Gather 3rd Edition — 576
  • Gather 4th Edition — 652

Bulletin Note

Christ Be Our Light — Bernadette Farrell, 1994

Preaching Connection

John 8:12 — Christ as the light of the world; appropriate for Advent and general use.

Themes

Light of Christ Longing Contemporary Mission

Look Further