A Hymn for Our Times
Living Tomorrow’s life Today
The hymn "There's a Spirit in the Air," written by Brian Wren in 1969, is a timeless piece that resonates deeply with believers and seekers alike. Its lyrics call us to recognize and respond to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, urging us to embody the love, justice, and peace that Christ exemplified.This hymn, deeply rooted in Christian faith and action, is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
The Message of the Hymn
The hymn begins with a powerful declaration:
"There's a Spirit in the air,
Telling Christians everywhere:
Praise the love that Christ revealed,
Living, working in our world."
These opening lines set the tone for the entire hymn, emphasizing the ever-present and active nature of the Holy Spirit. These lines echo the promise of Jesus in John 14:16-17, where He assures His disciples of the coming Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will be with them forever. The Spirit's presence is not confined to the pages of Scripture or the walls of our churches but is actively moving and working in the world around us. The Spirit is dynamically involved in all aspects of life, urging us to act according to God's will.
Living Out Our Faith
Wren's hymn challenges us to live out our faith in tangible ways. The subsequent verses call on us to reflect Christ's love in our actions:
"Lose your shyness, find your tongue,
Tell the world what God has done:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow's life today!"
This verse encourages us to be bold in our witness, to speak out about the transformative work of God in our lives. This call to boldness is reminiscent of Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Living "tomorrow's life today" reflects the Kingdom values that Jesus taught, urging us to embody those values now.
Responding to Injustice
One of the hymn's strengths is its relevance to contemporary issues. Wren wrote this hymn during a time of social upheaval, and its message of justice and peace remains pertinent. It calls on us to be agents of change, reflecting God's love and justice in a world that desperately needs it:
"When a stranger's not alone,
Where the homeless find a home,
Praise the love that Christ revealed,
Living, working in our world."
This verse speaks directly to the social issues of homelessness and isolation, urging us to take action to address these injustices. It reminds us that our faith is not just about personal piety but about making a real difference in the lives of others.
This verse resonates with Matthew 25:35-36, where Jesus says, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me." It underscores our duty to care for the marginalized and disadvantaged, reflecting Christ’s love through our actions.
The Universality of the Spirit
The hymn concludes with a reminder of the Spirit's universal reach:
"May the Spirit fill our praise,
Guide our thoughts and change our ways:
God in Christ has come to stay.
Live tomorrow's life today!"
This closing verse is a prayer for the Spirit to guide us, transform us, and help us to live in a way that anticipates the fullness of God's Kingdom. It is a call to let the Spirit permeate every aspect of our lives, guiding our actions and thoughts.
This echoes Romans 12:2, where Paul urges believers, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." It’s a call to allow the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts and actions, aligning them with God’s will.
A Call to Action
"There's a Spirit in the Air" is more than just a hymn; it is a call to action. It challenges us to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in the world and to respond by living lives that reflect the love, justice, and peace of Christ. It is a reminder that our faith should propel us into action, inspiring us to be bold in our witness and compassionate in our deeds.
In a world where injustice and suffering are all too common, this hymn offers a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It calls us to be agents of change, to live out our faith in tangible ways, and to trust that the Spirit is at work in and through us, guiding us towards a future where God's love and justice reign supreme.
So, as we sing "There's a Spirit in the Air," let us be reminded of our calling as Christians to be instruments of God's peace and love in the world. Let us embrace the challenge to live out our faith boldly and compassionately, knowing that the Spirit is with us, guiding us every step of the way.
