Starting in about 2002, the Church began announcing annually a Church-wide mutual theme for the youth. When the 2012 theme was announced as “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” (D&C 115: 5), I got the urge to create a specific song that would go along with the theme. I went through the scriptures looking for every reference to light I could find. I developed and fine-tuned the lyrics, and then using many percussive elements, I couched the song in the musical clothing of a contemporary march.

Clear as the sun, fair as the moon
The Light of His word has stirred in you
Gently He calls and beckons you
To shine…
Rise and shine