Experience the triumphant and hopeful spirit of “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” in this peaceful instrumental arrangement. This rendition is designed to provide a worshipful atmosphere for prayer and reflection, centering on the promise that “the darkness shall turn to dawning.”
The Scriptural Foundation
This hymn is a melodic response to the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
It serves as a powerful reminder of our call to share the “story of truth and mercy” until Christ’s kingdom of love and light is established on earth.
The Story Behind the Hymn
Written in 1894 by H. Ernest Nichol, who often published under the pseudonym Colin Sterne, this hymn was specifically composed for the anniversary of a Sunday School Union. Nichol was a prolific British composer who dedicated much of his life to creating music that was both accessible and educationally rich. “We’ve a Story to Tell” became a foundational anthem for missionary movements, using the metaphor of a rising sun—moving from dawning to “noonday bright”—to illustrate the spreading of the Gospel across the globe.
Hymn Lyrics (Part I)
1
We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
That shall turn their hearts to the right,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light.
Refrain
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noonday bright;
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
The kingdom of love and light.
2
We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
A song that shall conquer evil
And shatter the spear and sword.
Hymn Lyrics (Part II)
3
We’ve a message to give to the nations,
That the Lord who reigns up above
Has sent us His Son to save us,
And show us that God is love.
4
We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
Who the path of sorrow has trod,
That all of the world’s great peoples
Might come to the truth of God.
Ways to Use This Instrumental
Intercessory Prayer: A serene backdrop for praying for global missions and the “nations.”
Personal Reflection: Meditate on the “path of sorrow” Christ trod for us.
Morning Devotion: Start your day with the hopeful imagery of darkness turning to dawning.
Deepen Your Connection
If this music inspired your heart, explore our collection of traditional hymns and scriptural deep-dives designed to create a space for peace and spiritual growth.
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