Lord of Light Your Name Outstanding
Lord of light, your name outstanding
The hymn reflects Grundtvig's theology of creation and revelation, celebrating God's transcendent glory made known through His name and light. It embodies the Lutheran emphasis on God's self-disclosure and the illuminating work of the Gospel in human life.
History & Background
Written by Nicolai Grundtvig in 1844 as part of his prolific hymnodic output for Danish Lutheran worship. Translated into English by Gracia Grindal and first published in Lutheran Book of Worship in 1978.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 688
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 405
- Lutheran Worship — 298
Translation
Bulletin Note
Nicolai Grundtvig (1783–1872), Danish pastor and hymnodist, composed this 1844 hymn celebrating divine revelation. His theology emphasizes creation's goodness and the Gospel's illuminating power—distinctly Lutheran convictions about grace and the Word.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the proclamation of Law and Gospel into an image of light dispelling darkness, emphasizing not judgment but the liberating radiance of God's self-revelation that awakens faith and calls forth joyful witness.
Themes
God's name and praise Light and revelation God's power and glory Christian witness