Main message: Missionary call to spread the gospel to all nations.

Bible references:

• V1. "nations" (Matthew 28:19-20)

"hearts" (Acts 8:21)

"Truth" (John 8:32)

"peace" (Colossians 1:20)

• V2. "shall conquer evil" (1 Peter 3:11)

"spear, sword" (Psalm 46:9)(Isaiah 2:4)(Micah 4:3)

• V3. "Lord... reigns" (Psalm 93:1)

"son... save" (Matthew 1:21)

"God is love" (John 3:16)

• V4. "sorrow" (Isaiah 53:3-5)

"truth" (John 14:6; 8:32)

Keywords: Story, nations, hearts, song, conquer evil, peace, light, shatter spear and sword, message, save, God is love, Saviour, truth of God, darkness, dawning, noonday, bright, Christ’s kingdom, come on earth, Love and light

Interpretation notes:

• The hymn is in 4/4 and set in F Major. 

• The opening line, 'We've a story to tell to the nations,' places syllables on strong beats for clear proclamation. 

• Key words such as 'story,' 'tell,' 'nations,' 'light,' 'bright,' and 'Christ's great kingdom' are set to rising melodic motion. 

• In the refrain, the melody begins on the lowest note (C) for 'darkness,' rises to A on 'dawning,' to high C on 'noon day bright,' and reaches the highest note (high F) on 'Christ's great,' marking the hymn's climax.