Lo God to Heaven Ascendeth
Lo God to heaven ascendeth
The hymn celebrates Christ's victorious Ascension as the foundation of Christian hope and the vindication of His redemptive work, emphasizing His present reign at God's right hand. It connects the historical event of Ascension to the believer's confidence in Christ's ongoing intercession and the promise of His return.
History & Background
Martin Behm's German hymn 'Gott fähret auf mit Jauchzen' was published in his 1602 collection and became a standard Lutheran Ascension hymn. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her 1863 Lyra Germanica collection.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 65
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 214
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm in 1602, this L.M. hymn traditionally pairs with the tune GOTT FÄHRET AUF ('God Goes Up'), connecting Ascension's historical reality to the believer's living confidence in Christ's heavenly reign.
Preaching Connection
This hymn proclaims Christ's exaltation as the Gospel's crown—the vindication of His redemptive work and the foundation of believers' unshakeable hope in His present intercession.
Themes
Christ's Ascension God's majesty and reign Exaltation and triumph Kingship of Christ Heavenly intercession