O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair
O wondrous type! O vision fair
The hymn expresses Lutheran understanding of Christ's divine nature revealed in the Transfiguration as a foretaste of resurrection glory and vindication of His person. It emphasizes the continuity between Old Testament law and prophets (Moses and Elijah) and New Testament fulfillment in Christ.
History & Background
Neale wrote this hymn in 1851, drawing on patristic interpretations of the Transfiguration. It was first published in his Hymns of the Eastern Church and has become a standard English hymn for the Transfiguration feast.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 315
- The Hymnal 1982 — 137
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 80
- Lutheran Service Book — 413
- Lutheran Worship — 87
- New Century Hymnal — 182
Bulletin Note
Penned by John Mason Neale in 1851, this Epiphany hymn draws medieval liturgical tradition into the Protestant hymnal, weaving Old Testament witness (Moses, Elijah) into the Gospel's central mystery of Christ's revealed divinity and promised resurrection glory.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran insight that Law and Prophets find their merciful purpose and vindication in Christ's transfigured person, making it a powerful response to proclamation that shows how God's holiness and grace converge in the Gospel.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From Law's demand for reverent silence before God's majesty to Gospel's revelation of Christ's humble incarnation, culminating in heavenly liturgy and Easter victory
Themes
Transfiguration of Christ Divine glory and majesty Fulfillment of Law and Prophets Vision of faith Christological mystery