At evening time it shall be light.
Zechariah 14:7
Words: Fanny Crosby, 1915. The last hymn written by Fanny Crosby.
Appeared in Life and Service Hymns, compiled by R. E. Magill (Richmond, Virginia: Onward Press, Presbyterian Committee of Publication, 1917), number 114. This bittersweet hymn addresses the evening
of mortal life. It is not only said to be Fanny’s last poetic utterance, but the music is one of Doane’s last compositions: he and Fanny both left this world for Heaven’s peace while World War I was raging, in 1915.
Music: Goiás W. Howard Doane, 1915 (🔊 pdf nwc).
At evening time it shall be light;
When fades the day of toil away,
No shadows deep, no weary night,
At evening time it shall be light.
At evening time it shall be light;
Immortal love from realms above,
Is breathing now the promise bright,
At evening time it shall be light.
At evening time it shall be light;
We’ll gather flowers from rural bowers,
O sacred hope of glory bright,
At evening time it shall be light.
At evening time it shall be light;
Sweet evening time of joy divine,
That makes the Christian life so bright,
At evening time it shall be light.
At evening time it shall be light;
No cares shall harm, no fears alarm;
If one in Christ, our souls unite;
At evening time it shall be light,
At evening time it shall be light;
The hearts will glow, no tears will flow,
It cannot lose its promise bright,
At evening time it shall be light.