Hymn of the Week: Ascension Hymn

This week's new hymn is the result of a few weeks of work I've been putting into theological research for my Sunday evening sermons: an exploration of what the ascension means for us as Christians. This hymn gives voice to some of the main scriptural themes of Jesus' ascension: the vindication of the suffering Son of Man, the triumphal procession of the conquering king, the atoning ministry of the great High Priest, the continual work of intercession on our behalf, and the active reign of Christ over all things. The tune is a traditional one, associated with the thematically similar hymn "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name."

Ascension Hymn

Lord Jesus triumphed o'er the grave,
Ascended to the sky:
The suffering Son of Man rose up
And now he reigns on high!

The risen King makes his ascent
As conqueror over hell;
And as he claims his crown on high
Triumphal anthems swell.

Our great High Priest has gone into
The heavenly Temple-courts,
And there presents his sacrifice
To cleanse us evermore.

The Son of God, both priest and king,
Is at his Father's side;
And there he intercedes for us,
Whom he has sanctified.

Now Christ is reigning over all,
Our Lord, the great I Am!
Bow down, ye nations, and adore:
His Kingdom never ends!