'Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here
'Tis good, Lord, to be here
The hymn expresses the Lutheran conviction that the glory of Christ's divine nature, fully revealed at the Transfiguration, assures believers of their own transformation and sanctification through faith. It reflects the theological affirmation that Christ's transfigured body points to the resurrection and the glorified life of the redeemed in eternal communion with God.
History & Background
Written by Chadwick Brett in 1860, this hymn commemorates the Transfiguration of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. It was first published in The Choir and published widely throughout English-speaking hymnody in the latter nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 182
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 308
- Glory to God — 72
- The Hymnal 1982 — 135
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 89
- Lutheran Service Book — 414
- Lutheran Worship — 89
- New Century Hymnal — 87
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 135
Bulletin Note
Chadwick Brett's 1860 hymn draws from the Transfiguration account to affirm Lutheran confidence in bodily resurrection and sanctification. Its steady 8.7.8.7 D meter carries the soul from earthly longing toward heavenly hope.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Transfiguration from a past event into a present proclamation of grace: Christ's revealed divine nature becomes the Gospel's assurance that our mortal bodies too shall be glorified—answering Law's conviction with the resurrection promise.
Themes
Transfiguration of Christ Divine glory and majesty Sanctification of believers Longing for eternal communion with God