When Love Shines In

By Carrie Ellis Breck

Lyrics

1. Jesus comes with pow’r to gladden,
When love shines in,
Every life that woe can sadden,
When love shines in.
Love will teach us how to pray,
Love will drive the gloom away,
Turn our darkness into day--
When love shines in.

Chorus:
When love shines in,
When love shines in,
How the heart is tuned to singing,
When love shines in,
When love shines in,
Joy and peace to others bringing--
When love shines in!

2. How the world will grow with beauty,
When love shines in,
And the heart rejoice in duty,
When love shines in.
Trials may be sanctified,
And the soul in peace abide,
Life will all be glorified--
When love shines in.

3. Darkest sorrow will grow brighter,
When love shines in,
And the heaviest burden lighter,
When love shines in.
’Tis the glory that will throw
Light to show us where to go;
O the heart shall blessing know--
When love shines in.

4. We may have unfading splendor,
When love shines in,
And a friendship true and tender,
When love shines in.
When earth’s vict’ries shall be won,
And our life in heav’n begun,
There will be no need of sun--
When love shines in.

Bible Reference

2 Corinthians 4:6

About This Hymn

Jesus comes with pow’r to gladden, when love shines in. These opening words introduce a hymn that celebrates the transformative power of divine love. The repeated refrain emphasizes how love dispels gloom, turning darkness into day. The lyrics suggest that when love enters the heart, it brings joy, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose.

As the hymn progresses, it reflects on the broader impact of love's presence. It speaks of a world growing with beauty and hearts rejoicing in duty when love shines in. Trials are sanctified, and the soul finds peace, illustrating how love elevates life's experiences and brings a sense of glorification to daily living.

The final stanzas highlight the personal and communal benefits of love's illumination. Darkest sorrows become brighter, and burdens lighter, as love shines in. The hymn concludes with a powerful image of love as a guiding glory, leading the way and blessing the heart, reinforcing the central theme of love's transformative power.