The King of Glory Comes
The King of glory comes, the nation to release
The hymn celebrates Christ as king who comes to release captives and establish justice, reflecting Lutheran emphasis on Christ's redemptive work and kingdom. It combines traditional Christological affirmation with modern social-ethical concerns rooted in the Gospel's liberating message.
History & Background
Written by Swedish hymnodist Pär Harling in 1960, this modern hymn reflects 20th-century ecumenical hymn writing with social justice themes. It was translated into English by Michael A. Saffle and included in the Lutheran Book of Worship (1978).
Roman Catholic priest Willard F. Jabusch wrote this text in five stanzas in 1965 in Niles, Illinois, for use by the parish folk-music ensemble of St. Celestine’s Roman Catholic Church in Elmwood Park, Illinois. The text was published in Hymnalfor Young Christians (1966), one of the first English Roman Catholic hymnals published in the United States after Vatican II. Stanza 1 and the refrain are based on Psalm 24:7-8; stanzas 2 and 3 recall Jesus’ ministry and his death to atone for sin; stanza 4 confesses Christ’s victory over death and the coming of his kingdom. The original third stanza was not included. PROMISED ONE i =96 Scripture References st. 1 = Ps. 24:8 Isa. 7:14 st. 2 — Matt. 4:23 st. 3 = Isa. 53:12 st. 4=1 Cor. 15:57 John 14:2 ref. = Ps. 24:7 Ps. 67:4
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 345
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 385
- Lutheran Service Book — 341
- Lutheran Worship — 26
- Psalter Hymnal — 370
Translation
Liturgical Use
Epiphany; Advent; Palm Sunday, or anytime; a great processional hymn at the begin ning of a worship service.
Bulletin Note
Par Harling's 1960 hymn unites Advent expectation with prophetic witness to liberation and justice, reflecting twentieth-century Lutheran renewal of the Gospel's social-ethical urgency rooted in Christ's reign.
Preaching Connection
This hymn articulates how the Gospel's promise of Christ's kingship moves from personal redemption to the restoration of justice itself—a potent counter to any domesticated or merely individual reading of salvation.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From Christ's welcome of children to congregational praise to eschatological 'Hosanna' acclamation
Themes
Christ's kingship Redemption and liberation Social justice Triumphal entry Hope for the oppressed