Lord Who at Cana's Wedding-Feast
Lord, who at Cana's wedding-feast
The hymn reflects Lutheran sacramental theology by connecting Christ's transformation of water into wine with God's sanctifying presence in the ordinary elements of life and worship. It affirms the goodness of creation and God's blessing upon human relationships, particularly marriage.
History & Background
Written by English hymnodist George Ridley Woodward in 1894, this hymn was first published in The Cowley Hymnal. It has become a standard hymn for Epiphany and marriage services in Lutheran and Anglican traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 759
- The Hymnal 1982 — 459
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 563
- Lutheran Service Book — 859
- Lutheran Worship — 252
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 620
- With One Voice — 754
Bulletin Note
Written by George Ridley Woodward in 1894, this hymn connects Christ's miracle at Cana to Lutheran sacramental theology, affirming God's blessing upon creation and the sanctification of life's ordinary gifts.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens Gospel proclamation by showing how Christ's transforming power extends from the miraculous sign at Cana into the sacramental life of the Church, where common elements become means of grace.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Psalm 23 Christological transformation: establishment of Christ's sovereign care (1-2) → confession of human waywardness and divine retrieval (3) → victory over death through Christ's passion (4) → sacramental communion and eschatological promise (5-6)
Themes
Christ's miraculous power Divine presence in ordinary life Marriage and family Sacramental grace Water symbolism