Look, Ye Saints, the Sight Is Glorious

Look, Ye Saints, the Sight Is Glorious is a hymn text by Thomas Kellam (1844) in 8.7.8.7 meter. Found in elw 376, lbw 156, lsb 495, luyh 168. Sung to HYFRYDOL.

The hymn presents the Ascension as the vindication of Christ's redemptive work and His reign at God's right hand, where He intercedes for believers. It reflects Lutheran understanding of Christ's exaltation as foundational to salvation and the believer's confidence in His heavenly advocacy.

History & Background

Written by Thomas Kellam in 1844, this hymn celebrates Christ's Ascension and exaltation to heaven. It was first published in Kellam's collection and has become a standard Ascension hymn in English-speaking Protestant traditions.

Hymnal Appearances

• Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 376
• Lutheran Book of Worship — 156
• Lutheran Service Book — 495
• Lift Up Your Hearts — 168
• Lutheran Worship — 133
• Trinity Hymnal — 296
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 222

Bulletin Note

Thomas Kellam's 1844 text anchors the Ascension not in speculation about heaven's geography but in Christ's redemptive work now vindicated and interceding. A meditation on grace, not escape.

Preaching Connection

This hymn's proclamation of Christ's exaltation as intercessor transforms Gospel assurance into lived confidence—believers no longer cower before the Law's demands because their Advocate stands before the throne of grace on their behalf.

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)

Overview

Thomas Kelly, an Irish evangelical preacher and prolific hymn writer, wrote this hymn of Christ's coronation. It calls the saints to see the Man of Sorrows returned victorious (st. 1) and the angels to crown him and enthrone him (st. 2). Its sharpest stanza contrasts two crownings: 'Sinners in derision crowned Him' — the crown of thorns — while saints and angels now own his title (st. 3). It ends with the acclamation 'King of kings and Lord of lords!' (st. 4). The refrain 'Crown Him! Crown Him!' drives each stanza.

Central theme: The coronation of the ascended Christ — once crowned with thorns in mockery, now crowned in glory by saints and angels

Structure

Four six-line stanzas (8.7.8.7.4.7) with the refrain 'Crown Him! Crown Him!' Victor (1) — angels crown (2) — two crownings (3) — acclamation (4).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel: the Man of Sorrows victorious. Law: 'Sinners in derision crowned Him' (3) — our race's mockery.

Confessional Connections

Exaltation follows humiliation (Phil 2:9-11; FC VIII.26). The 'Man of Sorrows' and the crowned King are one person (AC III). Christ 'crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death' (Heb 2:9) — the theology of the cross and glory together.

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

Ascension; Christ the King; Easter season; general praise.

Historical Notes

Kelly (1769-1855) left the Church of Ireland to lead an independent evangelical movement; he wrote over 750 hymns, including 'Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted.'

About the Tune

TLH: CORONAE (William H. Monk, 1871). This text row (907) lists BRYAN CALFARIA; row 906 lists CORONAE.

Scripture References

Phil 2:9-11 Isa 53:3 Heb 2:9 Rev 5:11-12 Eph 4:8 Ps 110:1 Matt 27:29 John 19:2-5 Rev 19:12, 16 Rev 17:14 1 Tim 6:15

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

Christ's Ascension Christ's exaltation Glory of Christ Heavenly intercession Resurrection vindication

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "Look, Ye Saints, the Sight Is Glorious" ↗
• Search IMSLP for public-domain scores of "HYFRYDOL" ↗