Light of Light, Enlighten Me

“Light of Light, Enlighten Me” is a devotional hymn by Benjamin Schmolck that centers on Christ as the true and living Light who brings spiritual illumination to the human heart. Schmolck, a prominent Lutheran hymn writer of the early eighteenth century, was known for his deeply personal and Christ centered poetry, and this hymn reflects that same inward focus combined with strong biblical imagery.

The hymn presents Christ as the source of all true light, echoing the Gospel of John’s declaration that in Him was life and that life was the light of men. The prayerful language of the hymn reveals a believer’s desire not only to know truth intellectually but to be transformed by it. Enlightenment here is moral and spiritual, involving repentance, renewal, and a growing likeness to Christ.

A key theme in the hymn is dependence on divine grace. The singer acknowledges personal darkness, weakness, and inability to walk rightly apart from Christ’s guiding light. This humility reflects a biblical understanding of salvation and sanctification as works of God’s grace rather than human achievement. Christ’s light exposes sin, dispels fear, and directs the believer into paths of righteousness.

The hymn also emphasizes guidance and perseverance. Christ is not only the Light that begins the journey of faith but the Light that sustains it. The believer seeks continual illumination, asking to be kept from error and led faithfully through the challenges of life. This ongoing reliance on Christ reflects the Christian life as a daily walk in the light rather than a single moment of enlightenment.

“Light of Light, Enlighten Me” remains a rich devotional hymn, well suited for personal reflection and congregational worship alike. Its enduring value lies in its heartfelt prayer for spiritual clarity and faithfulness, reminding believers that true understanding, holiness, and hope are found only in the light of Jesus Christ.