Praise Be to Christ
Praise be to Christ in whom we are made complete
Praise Be to Christ is a hymn text by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend (2001) in 8.8.8.8 with refrain meter. Found in CW21 530, elw 833, lsb 538, luyh 228.
The hymn emphasizes the cosmic Christology of Colossians 1, presenting Christ as the reconciling center of all creation, which aligns with Lutheran understanding of Christ's universal lordship. It articulates the completeness found in Christ while maintaining focus on His redemptive work across all creation.
History & Background
Written in 2001 by contemporary Christian music artists Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, this modern hymn has gained significant popularity in evangelical and Lutheran worship. It was included in Lutheran Service Book (2006) as hymn 538 and reflects 21st-century hymnody while maintaining classical theological content.
Hymnal Appearances
- Christian Worship: Hymnal — 530
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 833
- Lutheran Service Book — 538
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 228
Bulletin Note
Composed in 2001 by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, this hymn draws directly from Colossians 1, presenting Christ's universal lordship and reconciling work—a distinctly Reformed-Lutheran affirmation of cosmic redemption.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's proclamation of Christ as the reconciling center of creation powerfully amplifies the Gospel's answer to the Law's exposure of our brokenness and division.
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Lent 3 (2×)
- Trinity 14 (2×)
- Confession of St. Peter (1×)
- Easter 7 (1×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Proper 11 (2×)
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Themes
Christ's supremacy Cosmic redemption The incarnate Word Christological completeness