And Have the Bright Immensities
And have the bright immensities
The hymn celebrates God's creative work and the immensity of creation as revelatory of divine wisdom and power, consistent with Lutheran natural theology. It emphasizes human stewardship responsibilities within a divinely-ordered cosmos, reflecting both Creator and creation theology.
History & Background
Written by William Channing Gannett in 1904, this hymn reflects late 19th-century American Protestant perspectives on nature and divine creation. It appeared in various hymnals of the early 20th century and was included in the Lutheran Book of Worship (1978).
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 701
- The Hymnal 1982 — 459
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 391
Bulletin Note
Written by William Channing Gannett in 1904, this hymn reflects Lutheran natural theology, viewing creation as an ongoing revelation of God's creative power that calls forth human worship and responsible care.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's emphasis on creation as revelatory of divine majesty can deepen a sermon on stewardship by anchoring human responsibility not in guilt but in the Gospel of being blessed caretakers of a cosmos that sings God's glory.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From contemplation of Christ's humble birth in obscurity to personal invitation for Christ's transformative indwelling; movement from historical event to soteriological application
Themes
Creation and providence God's majesty and power Human responsibility toward creation Stewardship