The Morning Light Is Breaking

This missionary hymn reflects the rising hope of the gospel spreading across the world. Samuel Francis Smith wrote it during a period of growing interest in global evangelization, and the hymn captures the sense of dawn as a symbol of spiritual awakening. The imagery of morning light portrays the advance of Christ’s kingdom, where darkness gives way to the brightness of God’s truth. The hymn celebrates the work of missions, the opening of nations to the message of salvation, and the joyful expectation that people everywhere will respond to the call of the gospel. Its verses encourage believers to take part in this great work through prayer, giving, and service. Rooted in the prophetic words of Isaiah, which call God’s people to rise and shine because the glory of the Lord has come, the hymn reminds the church that every new day represents another opportunity for the gospel to move forward into places still waiting for the light of Christ.