She was restless and not ready for bed. But it was time for this little one to go to sleep. She wanted to stay up. This was often the case when there was company, of course. But as we coaxed her to bed, we heard this beautiful lullaby coming from the piano in the living room. And as he played it, Rachel gently fell asleep. Our guest that night was John Ylvisaker. He is the composer of “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry” and countless other songs. That little lullaby that came from our piano was a “little tune” at that time, for which there were no words. When the words and tune came together, the song became “Drawn to the Light,” a song we have often sung at Faith Lutheran.
Listen to an acoustic version of “Drawn to the Light” above.
I suppose the fact that this sweet tune once put our child to sleep is why I like it so much and feel an emotional attachment to the song. But far more, it is the words that sing the gospel’s song, and in a gentle, powerful way.
VERSE 1: People who walk in darkness have sought a light in the heart of the darkest night. Just when we thought all would be lost, we were drawn to the light of God.
We all have a deep yearning for God. As recorded in Isaiah 9: 1-4, the first verse speaks of this yearning. It comes often in the darkness and when all seems lost. It is then that we are drawn to the light that no darkness can snuff out. In the darkness, the chorus rings out:
Dawn is in sight! Gone is the night! Drawn to the light and the morning. Glorious and bright, O what a sight to be drawn to the light of God.
VERSE 2: How can we tell a heaven from hell if everyone dwells in the dark of night? Morning dispels, gently compels and we’re drawn to the light of God.
“You will do well to be attentive to the prophetic message as to a lamp shining in a dark place.” Based on 2 Peter 1:9, the second verse of the song reminds us of all the confusions and distractions we face in this world.
Where do we look to get our bearings? Whom can we trust as the source of truth and life? This is the question of the second verse, which again is followed by the song’s powerful chorus:
Dawn is in sight! Gone is the night! Drawn to the light and the morning. Glorious and bright, O what a sight to be drawn to the light of God.
VERSE 3: Where is the sun? O, there will be none! The lamb is the one who is shining bright. Bids us to come! Life has begun when we’re drawn to the light of God.
The glorious vision from Revelation 21 rings out in the third verse. It speaks of a day when we see Jesus only as the One shining bright. It tells of living “as if God alone is enough” (Teresa of ‘Avila).
It is my hope and prayer that as we enter the season of Lent that brings us to Easter, you also may see and sense and know the Light of Christ that shines in all darkness. He alone is our hope, our joy, and our life!
In Christ,
Pastor Randy Freund
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Text:“La Crosse,” John Ylvisaker © 1990 John C. Ylvisaker
