Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies lyrics
Tune Name: RATISBON
Composer: German chorale melody; arranged by W.H. Havergal
Meter: 7.7.7
Hymnbook Source: Hymns Ancient & Modern
Verse 1
Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
Christ the true, the only Light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Triumph o’er the shades of night;
Dayspring from on high, be near;
Daystar, in my heart appear.
Verse 2
Dark and cheerless is the morn
Unaccompanied by Thee;
Joyless is the day’s return
Till Thy mercy’s beams I see;
Till they inward light impart,
Glad my eyes and warm my heart.
Verse 3
Visit, then, this soul of mine;
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief;
Fill me, Radiancy Divine;
Scatter all my unbelief;
More and more Thyself display,
Shining to the perfect day.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies |
| Author / Lyricist | Charles Wesley (1707–1788) |
| Composer / Tune | Joseph Barnby (1838–1896) |
| Date Written / Published | 1740s |
| Historical Context | Written during the Methodist revival; emphasizes Christ’s divine glory and light. |
| Theme / Message | Christ as the eternal light; guidance and divine revelation. |
| Notable Features | Vivid imagery of light; suitable for morning and festival services. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Included in Methodist and Anglican hymnals; frequently sung at liturgical services. |
| Source / Scholarship | Charles Wesley: His Hymns and Life – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | The hymn’s emphasis on divine glory is highlighted by Julian as reflecting the majesty of God in worship. |
| Reginald Heber, Anglican Bishop & Hymn Writer, 1783–1826 | Heber stressed Christ’s universal authority, a theme central to this hymn. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s hymns often celebrate the radiant glory of Christ, paralleling this hymn’s theological focus. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | In Newton’s writings, the manifestation of Christ’s glory as a source of devotion resonates with the hymn. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint praises the hymn for its doctrinal clarity and lyrical strength in conveying Christ’s glory. |
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