Look O Look the Sight is Glorious
Look, O look, the sight is glorious
This hymn celebrates the Ascension and heavenly exaltation of Christ, emphasizing His glorification at the right hand of God and His intercession for believers. It expresses Lutheran confidence in Christ's present reign and future return, connecting earthly worship with heavenly reality.
History & Background
Written by Thomas Hastings, an influential American hymn composer and compiler, this hymn was first published in his collection in 1828. It became widely distributed through various Lutheran hymnals including the influential German-American traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 317
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 156
- Lutheran Service Book — 495
- Lutheran Worship — 112
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 222
Bulletin Note
Composed by Thomas Hastings in 1828, this American hymn masterfully connects Christ's ascension to His present intercession and future return, grounding Lutheran confidence in heavenly realities made visible through faith.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Ascension from abstract doctrine into lived reality: Christ's exaltation at God's right hand is the Gospel's proof that His atoning work is complete and His reign is now, calling forth from us joyful confidence and obedience.
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
Christ's Ascension Exaltation of Christ Heavenly Intercession Hope and Glory Christological affirmation