A Pilgrim and a Stranger
A pilgrim and a stranger
The hymn articulates the Lutheran understanding of Christian life as sojourning in a fallen world while maintaining citizenship in God's kingdom. It reflects the tension between Law (our exile from Eden) and Gospel (our promised heavenly home) central to Lutheran spirituality.
History & Background
Written by Thomas O. Chisholm in 1916, this hymn reflects the pilgrim theology central to American Protestant hymnody. It was included in The Hymnal (1941) and subsequently in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 586.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 384
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 586
Bulletin Note
Written by Thomas Chisholm in 1916, this Common Meter hymn expresses the Reformation conviction that faithful Christians live as sojourners in a fallen world, yet are sustained by the certain hope of God's heavenly kingdom won through Christ's cross and resurrection.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel dialectic: it names our earthly homelessness as the consequence of sin while proclaiming redemption's assurance in Christ's promise of eternal rest.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Psalm 23 Christological transformation: establishment of Christ's sovereign care (1-2) → confession of human waywardness and divine retrieval (3) → victory over death through Christ's passion (4) → sacramental communion and eschatological promise (5-6)
Themes
Christian pilgrimage Heavenly citizenship Detachment from world Faith and trust Eternal home