Arise, Shine, for thy Light is Come
by James G. MacDermid

James MacDermid, a prolific composer of sacred solos, had a loyal following through much of the 20th century for his easily-accessible and singable tunes, reminiscent of the late romantic period. This is one of his best: short, jubilant, of unified structure, it shows to most advantage through a voice with a brilliant high register.

Text: Rev. 3: 20, John 8:12, Isaiah 60: 1,19

Behold, I stand at the door and knock:
if any man hear my voice and open the door,
I will come into him and will sup with him, and he with me.

I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.

Arise, shine: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

For the sun shall be no more thy light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee. But the Lord shall be to thee thine everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.