Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
Praise the One who breaks the darkness
The hymn articulates the Lutheran emphasis on Christ as the One who fulfills God's redemptive promise to heal the broken and bring good news to the poor, connecting directly to the Incarnation and the Gospel's transformative power. It reflects the Lutheran understanding that the Gospel breaks through human darkness and despair with God's liberating grace.
History & Background
Written by Bert Polman in 1985, this hymn was first published in the Christian Reformed Church hymnals and subsequently adopted by Lutheran and other Protestant denominations. It reflects contemporary hymn writing that emphasizes Christ's mission to liberate and bring light to the oppressed.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 726
- Glory to God — 849
- Lutheran Service Book — 849
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 553
- Voices Together — 101
Bulletin Note
Composed by Bert Polman in 1985, this hymn echoes Isaiah's promise of good news to the poor and sight to the blind, connecting Epiphany's revelation of Christ to the Reformation's recovery of Gospel clarity.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's diagnosis of human darkness and captivity into the Gospel's proclamation of Christ as the One who actively breaks through with redemptive light and liberation.
Themes
God's liberating grace Light overcoming darkness Justice and compassion Gospel proclamation