In 2008, after five solo album releases, and nine with Passion, Tomlin made the move from Texas to Atlanta to be a worship leader for Giglio’s new church, Passion City Church, with its first service being held in February of 2009. Tomlin has since released four solo worship albums, two Christmas albums, and one live album.
In 2013, Tomlin’s seventh album Burning Light debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart, becoming only the fourth album by a Christian artist to top that chart, along with Butterfly Kisses (Shades of Grace) by Bob Carlisle, You Light Up My Life by LeeAnn Rimes, both in 1997, and TobyMac's Eye On It in 2012.
Tomlin has recorded some of the most famous songs ever in Christian music, such as How Great Is Our God, Holy Is The Lord, Our God, and Whom Shall I Fear (God of Angel Armies)
Throughout his successful career, Tomlin has won 22 GMA Dove Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, and a Grammy.
Chris Tomlin’s discography: The Noise We Make (2001)Not To Us (2002)Arriving (2004)Live From Austin Music Hall (2005)See The Morning (2006)Hello Love (2008)Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship (2009) And If Our God Is For Us… (2010)How Great Is Our God: The Essential Collection (2011)Burning Lights (2013) Love Ran Red (2014)Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship (2015) Never Lose Sight (2016)
Joyous Light
Chris Tomlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jesus Christ, end of night, alleluia
Hail Gladdening Light, Eternal Bright
At evening time, 'round us shine, alleluia, alleluia
Hail Gladdening Light, such joyous Light
O Brilliant Star, forever shine, alleluia, alleluia
We hymn the Spirit, wholly Divine
No one more worthy of songs to be sung
To the Giver of Life, all glory is Thine
The lyrics of Chris Tomlin's "Joyous Light" are a beautiful ode to the light of Jesus and the power of the Holy Trinity. The opening lines are addressed to the "Hail Gladdening Light," which could refer to the light of the sun or to the light of Jesus as a symbol of salvation. The line "Jesus Christ, end of night" reinforces this idea, depicting Jesus as the one who brings an end to the darkness and confusion of the world. The repeated refrain of "alleluia" emphasizes the joy and celebration that comes with the arrival of this light.
The second verse shifts the focus to the eternal nature of this light, which shines on us even in the evening time. The words "Eternal Bright" evoke a sense of spiritual transcendence and the idea that the light of Jesus will always shine on us. The line "O Brilliant Star, forever shine" furthers this concept, referencing Jesus as the "Morning Star" in the book of Revelation.
The final verse is a beautiful tribute to the Holy Trinity, with the line "We hymn the Father, we hymn the Son, we hymn the Spirit, wholly Divine." The song acknowledges the three aspects of God and rejoices in their unity and power. The final line, "To the Giver of Life, all glory is Thine" brings the song full circle, emphasizing that all good things come from God.
Line by Line Meaning
Hail Gladdening Light, sun so bright
We welcome the bright sun, a symbol of the glory of God's power
Jesus Christ, end of night, alleluia
Jesus Christ is the end of spiritual darkness and the bringer of new light
Hail Gladdening Light, Eternal Bright
We welcome the Divine Light which is everlasting and illuminates the soul
At evening time, 'round us shine, alleluia, alleluia
Evening time represents the end of the day, but the Divine Light continues to shine upon us
Hail Gladdening Light, such joyous Light
We express our gladness for the Light that brings joy and happiness to our lives
O Brilliant Star, forever shine, alleluia, alleluia
We praise the eternal brilliance of the Divine Light which brings eternal happiness
We hymn the Father, we hymn the Son
We sing praises to God the Father and God the Son
We hymn the Spirit, wholly Divine
We sing praises to the Holy Spirit, who is fully Divine
No one more worthy of songs to be sung
God is the most worthy of all beings to receive songs of praise
To the Giver of Life, all glory is Thine
We acknowledge that all glory belongs to God, who is the giver of life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Veronica
on Here I Am to Worship
hi.
Lupita Vique
on God of This City (Live from Passion)
■ There is no one like our God. For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City. ■