All Glory Be to God Alone
All glory be to God alone
This hymn echoes the Gloria in excelsis Deo and emphasizes that all creation's praise belongs to God alone, reflecting the central Lutheran conviction that soli Deo gloria. It connects the birth of Christ with redemption's universal significance and the restoration of peace between God and humanity.
History & Background
Nikolai Grundtvig wrote this hymn in Danish as 'Alt skal være Guds Ære alene' in 1844, drawing on the angelic song at Christ's birth. It was translated into English by Gracia Grindal in 1978 and has become widely used in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 410
- Lutheran Service Book — 948
- Lutheran Worship — 210
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 238
- Voices Together — 22
Translation
Bulletin Note
By Nikolai Grundtvig (1844), this Danish hymn echoes the Gloria in excelsis and embodies the Lutheran conviction of soli Deo gloria—all creation's praise belongs to God alone through Christ's redemptive work.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Gospel proclamation that Christ's coming ends the enmity between God and creation, displacing human self-justification with the pure gift of divine mercy and peace.
Themes
Glory of God Trinitarian praise Incarnation Peace on earth Divine grace