“City on a Hill” is a vibrant and uplifting track that encourages believers to let their light shine boldly and visibly in the world. Inspired by Matthew 5:14-16, this song calls Christians to be a beacon of hope and truth, living out their faith in a way that impacts their communities and glorifies God. It emphasizes the responsibility of every believer to illuminate the world around them through their actions and faith.

Scriptural Foundation:

        •        Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

        •        Philippians 2:15: “So that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

        •        Isaiah 60:1-3: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you… Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

Devotional Thoughts:

“City on a Hill” reminds us of the powerful impact that our faith can have when it is lived out boldly and visibly. Jesus calls us to be like a city on a hill, shining brightly so that others can see and be drawn to the light. This song is a prayer and a declaration for intercessors to rise up and illuminate the world around them, reflecting the glory of God through their lives. 

Prayer Focus:

        •        Pray for courage to let your light shine boldly in every area of your life.

        •        Intercede for your community, that the light of Christ would break through the darkness and bring transformation.

        •        Ask for opportunities to demonstrate God’s love and truth in practical ways.

        •        Pray for the global church to rise up as a city on a hill, shining brightly for the world to see.

Lyrics

City on a Hill

Narration (Scripture Reading over C and F)

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16) 

Verse 1

We are the light, shining in the darkness 
We are a city, on a hill
With every act of kindness, love and mercy 
We show the world, the Father’s will

Chorus

We are a city on a hill, shining bright 
Let our deeds bring glory to Your name 
We are a city on a hill, burning bright 
In Your light, we’ll never be the same

Verse 2

Lift up your eyes, see the fields are ready 
The harvest ripe, the laborers few
We’ll shine Your light, in every heart and nation 
Reflecting Christ, in all we do

Pre-Chorus

Let us be a beacon, in the night
Let our light dispel the dark 

Chorus

We are a city on a hill, shining bright
Let our deeds bring glory to Your name 
We are a city on a hill, burning bright 
In Your light, we’ll never be the same

Bridge

In this world of darkness, we stand 
As Your holy flame 
Empowered by Your Spirit, we proclaim 
The power of Your name 

Chorus

We are a city on a hill, shining bright 
Let our deeds bring glory to Your name 
We are a city on a hill, burning bright 
In Your light, we’ll never be the same

Outro

Let our light shine, let our light shine 
In the darkest night 
Let our light shine, let our light shine 
Bringing hope to life

Lead Sheet

• Key: G Major
• Time Signature: 4/4
• Tempo: 80 BPM (Moderate, uplifting worship)

Storyboard descriptions for music video

Intro:

• Music: Soft acoustic guitar with light percussion, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
• Visuals: A wide shot of a city skyline at dusk, with lights beginning to twinkle. The camera pans to a hill overlooking the city.
• Mood: Serenity, anticipation of something significant.

Narration (Scripture Reading over G and C):

• Music: Gentle guitar strumming continues, with a slight build in volume as the narration progresses.
• Visuals: Text appears on the screen, displaying Matthew 5:14-16. As each verse is read, the city on the hill begins to glow softly.
• Mood: Reverence, inspiration, and divine calling.

Verse 1:

• Music: Guitar joined by soft piano, creating a tender, hopeful sound.
• Visuals: The camera focuses on individual homes in the city, each with a light shining from within. A family gathers in prayer, their home glowing warmly.
• Mood: Intimacy, family, and the power of unity in faith.

Chorus:

• Music: Full band enters with drums, bass, and strings, adding a powerful, uplifting energy.
• Visuals: The city on the hill shines brightly, its light visible for miles. People from surrounding areas look towards the city, drawn by its radiance.
• Mood: Triumph, collective hope, and inspiration.

Verse 2:

• Music: Intensity pulls back slightly, focusing on the guitar and gentle percussion.
• Visuals: More people are seen walking towards the city, carrying lanterns and candles. They join the community, adding to the light.
• Mood: Invitation, community growth, and welcoming spirit.

Pre-Chorus:

•  Music: Drums build with a crescendo, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement.
• Visuals: Close-ups of people lighting candles from a central flame, passing the light to others. The camera captures their joy and determination.
• Mood: Determination, rising action, and shared mission.

Chorus:

• Music: The full band returns with greater intensity, emphasizing the song’s climax.
• Visuals: The city on the hill now shines with an overwhelming brilliance, symbolizing the unity and collective faith of its inhabitants. The surrounding landscape is bathed in light.
• Mood: Exhilaration, unity, and overwhelming joy.

Bridge:

• Music: A quieter, reflective section with soft vocals, guitar, and strings.
• Visuals: Close-ups of individuals praying and worshiping together. The light from the city reaches out, illuminating the surrounding countryside and distant towns.
• Mood: Contemplation, deep worship, and connection to God.

Chorus:

• Music: The intensity builds again, returning to the full band for a final, triumphant rendition of the chorus.
• Visuals: A wide shot shows the city as a beacon of light, with people from all around coming to join. The sky brightens, symbolizing the spread of God’s light.
• Mood: Celebration, global unity in the light of Christ.

Outro:

• Music: The music gradually fades, returning to the soft acoustic guitar from the intro.
• Visuals: The scene fades to a bright light, symbolizing God’s eternal presence. The final shot shows the text “City on a Hill” with the reference to Matthew 5:14-16.
• Mood: Peace, fulfillment, and the lasting impact of God’s light.