Line upon Line

Interested in FREE sheet music downloads of sacred and inspirational music? You’ll find them on Lynne Perry Christofferson’s music website: christoffersonmusic.com

On the last day of June 1997, I lay in a hospital bed recovering from the early morning birth of my fifth child. Family members and friends came throughout the afternoon to meet my dark-haired baby girl. Finally, after the last visitor left and my husband had taken our four older children home to bed, the room was silent except for the gentle breaths of my tiny daughter, who snuggled against my shoulder. I hoped to join her in sleep.

It was not to be, however. My thoughts whirled with the events of the day: the wild ride to the hospital, nearly giving birth in the car, having an unknown doctor deliver our daughter just ten minutes later, since my obstetrician couldn’t get there in time. My heart raced as I relived those intense moments.

Finally, to distract myself, I turned on the television. The international news headline of the day was the imminent transfer of Hong Kong–at that time a British colony–back to Chinese rule. Every news channel was anticipating this event, which was to occur immediately after midnight. The Cliff Notes’ version of the story: Britain obtained Hong Kong Island in 1842, later adding Kowloon and leasing the New Territories for 99 years. The 99-year lease expired in 1997, transferring the entire territory back to Chinese sovereignty on July 1, 1997.

Recently, this memory resurfaced — me holding my newborn baby, watching as history was made and a long-anticipated transfer of power took place. Though I have relived this scenario many times over the past twenty-eight years, this time my mind made a connection with another young mother, holding her firstborn son, watching as history was quietly made–the fulfillment of prophecy as a different long-anticipated transfer of power was set in motion.

“But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

The return of Hong Kong to China was anticipated for 99 years. The first Bible prophecy of a Savior came in the Garden of Eden, thousands of years before His birth, foretelling that the seed of the woman–meaning Jesus Christ–would crush the serpent’s head. (Genesis 3:15, emphasis added)

Some of the Messianic prophecies of Isaiah are so beautiful and familiar that they have been given musical settings and sung all over the world:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows … He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4)

Though many Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah are less familiar, they are stirring to consider, remembering that although some are written in the past tense, they were pronounced long before Jesus’ birth:

“… there shall come a star out of Jacob …” (Numbers 24:17)

“Who is this king of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:10)

“… thou hast led captivity captive …” (Psalm 68:18)

“He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces … this is our God: we have waited for him, and he will save us …” (Isaiah 25:8-9)

The Book of Mormon is filled with Messianic prophecies as well:

“And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall.” (2 Nephi 2:26)

“… a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or in other words, a Savior of the world.” (1 Nephi 10:4)

“… he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.” (1 Nephi 11:33)

“… almost all of our fathers… have testified of the coming of Christ, and have looked forward, and rejoiced in his day which is to come.” (Helaman 8:22)

I am particularly fond of the prophecy of Samuel the Lamanite, given just five years before Christ was born. How appropriate that this sign should precede the coming of the Savior, The Light who would pierce the darkness:

“… this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness …” (Helaman 14:3)

Concerning the handing over of Hong Kong back to Chinese rule, there has been significant international debate over whether China has made good on promises made before the transfer. While some elements of Hong Kong’s special status have continued, other aspects, such as meaningful self-government and political freedoms, are judged by many observers as not sufficiently fulfilled.

In stark contrast, Jesus Christ came as prophesied and fulfilled every promise. As taught by Elder Patrick Kearon, “After the agonies of Gethsemane and at the conclusion of the torturous cross, He simply said, “It is finished.” Messianic prophecy had been fulfilled and the full payment of the debt for humanity’s sins and suffering had been paid.” ⁽¹⁾ The Atonement of Jesus Christ was completed as He conquered death and rose as a glorified resurrected being, “the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

What a blessing it has been this Christmas season to search the scriptures for prophecies of Jesus Christ and reflect on how the promises of a Savior have been fulfilled in my life. Jesus Christ is truly The Light that pierced the darkness. I testify with the prophet Isaiah:

“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)

My Christmas gift to you is a song celebrating The Light of the World. Click the links below to listen to a recording and to print free sheet music:

Listen to The Light of the World by clicking here

Music, lyrics, piano by Lynne Perry Christofferson

Sung by: Tammy Simister Robinson

Carlie Riding, Caleb Jardine, Mark Child

Link for free sheet music of The Light of the World

https://www.christoffersonmusic.com/_files/ugd/e7467c_bcc6009da6ed459d8deb9246980186ed.pdf

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

1. We celebrate the birth

of precious baby Jesus,

the long-foretold Messiah,

the answer to prayer.

How desperately we need

His light to pierce the darkness,

and comfort all the people

who live in despair.

(chorus)

The Light of the World,

the Hope of our hearts,

Good Shepherd,

Redeemer of Israel.

The Light of the World,

the Hope of our hearts,

our Savior, Emmanuel.

2.To Bethlehem He came,

His only bed a manger,

the humblest of beginnings

for this baby boy.

And yet He came to save,

to ransom every sinner,

to heal the brokenhearted,

and lift them to joy.

(chorus)

The Light of the World,

the Hope of our hearts,

Good Shepherd,

Redeemer of Israel.

The Light of the World,

the Hope of our hearts,

our Savior, Emmanuel.

Only Jesus has power to save,

healing sinners and conquering the grave.

(chorus)

The Light of the World,

the Hope of our hearts,

Good Shepherd,

Redeemer of Israel.

The Light of the World,

the Hope of our hearts,

our Savior, Emmanuel.

Our Savior, Emmanuel.

Notes

1. Elder Patrick Kearon, Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning, Oct. 2025 general conference.