Brian Arthur Wren

Brian Arthur Wren is an English hymn poet, theologian, preacher, and teacher born in Romford, Essex, in 1936. He studied modern languages at New College, Oxford, and theology at Mansfield College, Oxford, later completing a DPhil on prophetic eschatology in the Old Testament in 1968. Ordained in 1965, he served the Congregational church at Hockley and Hawkwell, Essex, from 1965 to 1970; that tradition later became part of the United Reformed Church.

From 1970 Wren worked extensively in Christian education and organizations concerned with global poverty, development, peace, and justice. He later entered a freelance ministry of writing, preaching, teaching, and worship leadership. In 2000 he became the first John and Miriam Conant Professor of Worship at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, serving until his retirement in 2007. His books include What Language Shall I Borrow? and Praying Twice, and his hymn collections include Faith Looking Forward, Praising a Mystery, and Bring Many Names.

Wren wrote Arise, Shine Out, Your Light Has Come in 1986. The hymn reflects Isaiah 60 and belongs to the group of texts from 1986 through 1988 gathered in Bring Many Names. Other widely published Wren hymns include Christ Is Alive!, I Come with Joy, and This Is a Day of New Beginnings.