Saints Behold the Sight is Glorious
Saints behold the sight is glorious
This hymn celebrates Christ's ascension as the fulfillment of redemption and vindication, proclaiming His exaltation at God's right hand as the basis for Christian hope and glory. In Lutheran theology, the Ascension confirms Christ's mediatorial work, His present intercession for believers, and the future consummation of all things.
History & Background
Written by Christopher Wordsworth, canon of Westminster Abbey, in 1862 for the liturgical year and first published in his 'The Holy Year' (1862). The hymn became widely adopted in Anglican and Lutheran hymnals throughout the English-speaking world.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 324
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 156
- Lutheran Service Book — 495
- Lutheran Worship — 179
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 222
Bulletin Note
Written by Christopher Wordsworth in 1862, this Ascension hymn draws on patristic theology to celebrate Christ's exaltation as the fulfillment and vindication of His mediatorial work, grounding believers' confidence in His heavenly intercession.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Ascension from a distant historical event into present reality: Christ's exaltation confirms the completion of redemption and His intercession for believers, anchoring Christian hope not in earthly circumstance but in the victorious Lord seated at God's right hand.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's victorious ascension and exaltation → universal submission of creation → contrast between mockery and heavenly honor → believers' participation in Christ's victory through the Spirit
Themes
Ascension of Christ Exaltation of Christ Hope and glory Kingdom of heaven