Background Notes:

In this hymn, we are reminded in the refrain that we are a people of hope who belong to a Christian community that supports and recalls for each other the deep-rooted promise of God’s steadfast presence with us.  For example, Mark’s apocalyptic text (13: 24-37), which served as the starting point for this hymn, likely brought courage to those who were suffering under Rome’s domination and who longed to hear words of hope.  It is this type of darkness that is described in the first two verses of the hymn, which, when followed by the refrain, are intended to remind us of the support and hope we garner from our Christian communities during difficult times.  In verses three and four, however, we are reminded that our ability to invite, humanize foes, or connect with each other comes from our participation in our Christian communities.  In this manner then, holding the Christ-light for each other is essential under all circumstances: it is both sustaining and formative. Having the congregation join on the refrain might work best at first, but the verses are also intended to be very singable.