7 Worship Songs About Light (Dispelling The Darkness)

Light is one of the most primal and powerful metaphors in Scripture. Jesus declared in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Whether it is a Christmas candlelight service or a Sunday morning in July, singing about the light of God brings hope to a dark world.

Songs about light do two things: they exalt the nature of God (He is light), and they describe our experience (He illuminates our path). These songs are essential for reminding the church that no matter how dark the cultural or personal moment may be, the darkness has never overcome the light.

Why These Songs Bring Hope

We selected these songs because:

  • They are contrasting. They acknowledge the reality of darkness but declare the superior power of the light.
  • They are visual. Lyrics about “shining,” “burning,” and “seeing” help people visualize the glory of God.
  • They are encouraging. Light reveals things. These songs help people see their situation through the lens of God’s presence.

7 Songs To Shine In The Darkness

  1. Light Of The World (Sing Hallelujah) – This song is an anthem for the Incarnation. It celebrates the arrival of Jesus as the “Light of the world” who came to bring light to those walking in the shadow of death. It is melodic, soulful, and deeply joyful.
  2. Here I Am To Worship – “Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes let me see.” This line defined a generation of worship. It is a humble, intimate acknowledgment that we can only see truth because He revealed it.
  3. Way Maker – One of the four key titles in this song is “Light in the darkness.” It reminds the church that God doesn’t just exist in the light; He invades the dark places of our lives to show us the way out.
  4. King Of Kings – The narrative of this song begins with our desperate state: “In the darkness we were waiting, without hope without light.” It makes the arrival of Jesus—”Till from heaven You came running”—feel like a sunrise breaking a long night.
  5. Open The Eyes Of My Heart – This song is a prayer for illumination. Singing “Shining in the light of Your glory” helps the congregation turn their spiritual gaze toward the brilliance of God’s character.
  6. Great Are You Lord – The bridge of this song declares, “And all the earth will shout Your praise… even the darkness trembling.” It is a powerful reminder that the dark is not an equal opposite to God; it trembles before Him.
  7. Glorious Day – “You called my name and I ran out of that grave, out of the darkness into Your glorious day.” This song celebrates the transition from spiritual blindness to sight, from death to life.

Example Setlists For Illumination

Setlist 1 (The Light Has Come)

  1. Light Of The World (Sing Hallelujah) – Begins with a celebration of His arrival.
  2. Here I Am To Worship – A personal response to His revelation.
  3. Open The Eyes Of My Heart – A prayer to see Him clearly.

Setlist 2 (Victory Over Darkness)

  1. Glorious Day – High energy declaration of freedom.
  2. Way Maker – Affirms His nature as the Light.
  3. Great Are You Lord – Ends with the darkness trembling.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Use lighting creatively. If you have the capability, start the service with lower lights and bring them up as you sing Light Of The World. Let the environment match the message.
  • Read John 1. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This passage provides a powerful scriptural foundation before singing Way Maker.
  • Perfect for Epiphany. These songs are especially relevant for the season of Epiphany (after Christmas), which focuses on the revelation of Christ to the world.

Next Steps

Is your church going through a dark season of loss or confusion? This Sunday, sing Way Maker to remind them that even if they can’t see the end of the tunnel, the Light is already in the room with them.

By Michaela Bishop, WorshipChords Editorial Staff

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