Look, Ye Saints, the Sight Is Glorious
Look, ye saints, the sight is glorious
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)
Themes
Christ's Ascension Christ's exaltation Glory of Christ Heavenly intercession Resurrection vindication