Christ High Ascended
Christ high ascended, now in glory seated
This hymn affirms the orthodox Lutheran understanding of Christ's ascension as his exaltation to the right hand of God, from which he rules the Church and sends the Holy Spirit. It connects Christ's completed work to the Church's ongoing mission and the empowerment of believers through the Spirit.
History & Background
Written by American Unitarian minister William H. Furness in the mid-19th century, this hymn celebrates Christ's ascension and the consequent gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church. It has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals since the early 20th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 548
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 159
- Lutheran Service Book — 492
- Lutheran Worship — 172
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 212
- With One Voice — 684
Bulletin Note
Written by William H. Furness in 1840, this hymn anchors Lutheran theology of Christ's ascension and the Spirit's sending. Its double-meter form (8.7.8.7 D) creates spacious room for reflection on Christ's present reign and future return.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the movement from Law to Gospel: it proclaims Christ's ascended authority that commands the Church's witness, then grounds that calling in the Spirit's gracious empowerment—transforming obligation into joyful proclamation.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)
Themes
Ascension of Christ Christ's exaltation and kingship Promise of the Holy Spirit Commission to witness Resurrection victory