Jesus Brightness of the Father
Jesus, brightness of the Father
This hymn emphasizes the Christological doctrine that Jesus Christ is the brightness (radiance) of God's glory, directly reflecting Hebrews 1:3 and John 1:4-5, connecting the incarnation to creation and redemption. It expresses Lutheran Christ-centeredness and the conviction that all divine attributes and promises find their fulfillment and expression in Christ.
History & Background
This German hymn first appeared in the 1661 Gotha Hymnal and is attributed to an unknown author in the German chorale tradition. The English translation appeared in various Lutheran hymnals and became established in TLH (The Lutheran Hymnal) in 1941.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 310
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 257
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written in 1661, this hymn draws directly from Hebrews 1:3, confessing the Christological conviction that all God's attributes and glory radiate through the person of Jesus Christ, God's Son incarnate.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's proclamation of Christ as the Father's brightness amplifies Gospel proclamation by anchoring God's redemptive grace not in abstract theology but in the visible, incarnate Word made flesh.
Themes
Incarnation Christ as Light Divine Glory Redemption Christology