"At the Start There Was the Logos"
TEXT: Mark Ryman (2004) based on John 1:(1-9), 10-18
TUNE: "Erie," by Charles D. Converse (1868).

At the start there was the Logos and our God was with that Word;
And the Logos then was living, for God was also the Word.
All things were created through him; without him nothing occurred.
In this Word of God was the life—the light of all men on earth.

O the light shines in the darkness that will never overcome
The true light that God has sent us in the person of His Son.
God sent John to bear true witness of the light that won't succumb
To the evil gloom and shadow of the dark and wicked one.

John came only bearing witness; he was not the Living Light.
Living Light came into our world, shining ever true and bright.
He was in this world made by him though the world gave him a slight.
He came unto his own people who refused to be contrite.

Some of them received him still and gave to him their darkened hearts.
To these bright, enlightened children, God, His fam'ly name imparts.
Those who believe that the Light came, now for them a new life starts.
They are now born of the Spirit; Light now always darkness thwarts.

The copy on this page, including the hymn and commentary, is copyrighted by Mark Ryman. © 2004.
I use CYBER HYMNAL for all of my tunes, which means you can use the tune yourself. Information on
the Revised Common Lectionary may be found at both textweek.com and Vanderbilt Divinity SChool.
You may freely use these hymn lyrics and/or commentary in whole or in part for study and/or worship 
as long as you use the following citation: "©2004 Mark Ryman. More hymns at edoxy.com."
If you would, please email me, letting me know how you have used the hymn(s). That would be a blessing.
If you wish to publish this or any of my hymns, you must of course gain my permission. © Mark Ryman
HYMN INDEX

You may freely use this hymn in whole or in part for study and/or worship 
as long as you use the following citation: "©2004 Mark Ryman. More hymns 
at edoxy.com." 

If you would, please email me, letting me know how you have 
used the hymn(s). That would be a blessing.

If you wish to publish this or any of my hymns, you must of course gain my permission. 

Mark Ryman (mark@edoxy.com)