Kristian Stanfill - Children of Light Lyrics
Lyrics
It's a new day
Everything changed
When Your love came into the darkness
You sent the light of the Son
You sent the light of the Son
Wake up, open your eyes
No longer dead, we are alive
Rise up, children of light
Open the doors, go let it shine
There is freedom
In Your kingdom
For You Jesus, we will be dancing
Forever Your joy is our song
Forever Your joy is our song
Wake up, open your eyes
No longer dead, we are alive
Rise up, children of light
Open the doors, go let it shine
Song for the broken, let it shine
Into the shadows, let it shine
Hope for the whole world
Let it shine, let it shine
All over the place, come on, come on
Song for the broken, let it shine
Into the shadows, let it shine
Hope for the whole world
Let it shine, let it shine
Oh let it shine, here we go
Wake up, open your eyes
No longer dead, we are alive
Rise up, children of light
Open the doors, go let it shine
x2
It's a new day
Everything changed
When Your love came into the darkness
You sent the light of the Son
You sent the light of the Son
Video
Kristian Stanfill-Children of light
Meaning & Inspiration
Kristian Stanfill’s "Children of Light," released on April 23, 2014, immediately established itself as a vibrant declaration of new life and purpose for those transformed by faith. The song unfolds as a powerful narrative of spiritual awakening, tracing the journey from a state of darkness into the brilliant reality of God’s redemptive love. It captures the essential Christian belief that an encounter with divine grace fundamentally alters one’s existence, initiating a "new day" where "everything changed when Your love came into the darkness." This transformative moment is unequivocally attributed to the sending of Christ, the "light of the Son," a direct echo of passages like John 1:4-5, which declares Him to be the life and light of mankind, shining in the darkness that cannot overcome it.
At its core, the song beautifully articulates the profound shift that occurs when divine love penetrates human darkness. The lyrics highlight a radical redefinition of identity, moving from spiritual death to life. The compelling refrain, "Wake up, open your eyes, no longer dead, we are alive, rise up, children of light," serves as a vibrant call to spiritual awakening, urging believers to embrace their new status. This summons aligns perfectly with Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:14, "Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you," and Colossians 2:13, reminding us that though we were once dead in our sins, God made us alive with Christ. The identity of "children of light" is rooted deeply in Scripture, as seen in Ephesians 5:8, where we are reminded that we were once darkness, but now are light in the Lord, called to walk as children of light.
Beyond mere acknowledgment of this new life, the song issues an urgent mandate: "Open the doors, go let it shine." This is not a passive identity but an active commission, compelling believers to manifest the light they have received into the world around them. It speaks to the evangelical imperative found in Matthew 5:14-16, where Jesus instructs His followers, "You are the light of the world... Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." The song encourages an outward expression of an inward reality, urging God's people to be beacons of hope and truth in a world shrouded in spiritual gloom, embodying the purity and blamelessness described in Philippians 2:15, where we are called to shine among them like stars in the sky.
The verses resonate with the celebration of "freedom in Your kingdom," painting a picture of unhindered joy and worship that springs from this liberation. "For You Jesus, we will be dancing, forever Your joy is our song," captures the uncontainable gladness that accompanies salvation. This spiritual freedom is a foundational promise of the Gospel, as declared in Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free," and the joy expressed echoes the sentiment of Psalm 16:11, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy." This joy is not fleeting but eternal, a constant melody for those who have found their delight in the Savior.
The bridge expands this vision, crying out, "Song for the broken, let it shine, into the shadows, let it shine, hope for the whole world, let it shine, let it shine." This powerful intercession and call to action underscore the universal scope of the Gospel message. It champions compassion for the marginalized and speaks to the global mission of the Church. The light received is not to be contained but to be diffused, reaching "the broken" and penetrating "the shadows," fulfilling the Great Commission to carry the message of hope to every corner of the earth (Acts 1:8). This expansive call inspires a movement of believers committed to spreading the good news, offering genuine hope to a world longing for transformation.
Ultimately, "Children of Light" is more than a worship song; it is a prophetic declaration and an empowering commission. It steadfastly affirms the miraculous transformation available through Christ and rallies believers to live out their God-given identity with active purpose and unbridled joy. Stanfill masterfully channels the biblical mandate to be light, distilling complex theological truths into a compelling and accessible anthem that continues to inspire and equip individuals to illuminate their communities with the unchanging love and truth of the Gospel.