Up Through Endless Ranks of Angels
Up through endless ranks of angels
The hymn celebrates Christ's victorious Ascension and His exaltation at God's right hand, emphasizing the cosmic significance of His return to heaven and His present intercession for believers. It reflects Lutheran affirmation of Christ's true humanity and divine honor, connecting His earthly ministry to His eternal heavenly reign.
History & Background
Written by Dean Cyril Alington in 1924, this hymn was composed to commemorate the Ascension of Christ and has become a standard hymn for Ascension celebrations in Lutheran worship. It first appeared in hymnals in the mid-twentieth century and gained wider adoption through LBW and LSB.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 240
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 234
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 159
- Lutheran Service Book — 491
- Lutheran Worship — 152
Bulletin Note
Written by Cyril Argentine Alington in 1924, this hymn joins ancient liturgical tradition with modern poetic clarity, celebrating Christ's exaltation and His continuing intercession for all believers.
Preaching Connection
This hymn proclaims the Gospel of Christ's victorious Ascension as the ground of our assurance: because He pleads for us at God's right hand, the Law's condemnation no longer has dominion over the baptized.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of the Son of God Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)
Themes
Ascension of Christ Heavenly glory Resurrection triumph Christ's intercession