Christ is our Lord, risen on high (website only)
- Christ is our Lord,
risen on high,
lifted in light,
clouds in the sky.
Angels proclaiming:
"Why do you stare?
He will return,
trust him and share!"
Refrain:
Gone from our sight, yet near as our breath:
Christ is alive, love’s boundless breadth! - Glory now crowned,
wounds still displayed,
Jesus ascends,
Love unafraid.
Still he remains,
he's with us below –
Spirit to guide,
calling to go.
Refrain - Sent in his name,
bold in his grace,
we are his hands
now in this place.
Till he returns
our faith will not cease –
Christ is our strength,
bringer of peace.
Refrain - Hope for the world,
light in the night,
Christ will return,
clothed in his light.
Till that great day
his love is our call –
sharing his joy,
welcoming all.
Refrain
Words © 2025 Jason McMahon-Riley
Suggested tune: Cresswell Download in Jason’s arrangement (PDF)
Alternative tune: Cresswell is an unusual metre (88.89 with refrain) but an accessible one. With a little imagination, the tune Kennick (StF 396) might also be used – giving a different mood to Jason’ words.
Ideas for use
Jason’s hymn addresses the story of the Ascension directly. Very few hymns in Singing the Faith do this (see below). Often, Ascension Day itself gets passed over, not least because it always falls on a Thursday. See Ascension Day – why is it important?
The themes in this hymn also make it appropriate for general worship that reflects on Christ’s reign and the mission of the Church. The language is inclusive and adaptable for all-age or intergenerational worship.
For those unfamiliar with the tune Creswell, there are several performances of it online (set to the hymn “Love is His Word" by Luke Connaughton).
More information
This hymn was written for Ascension Day, reflecting both the majesty of Christ’s exaltation and his continuing presence with the Church through the Spirit.
The verses follow the pattern of many modern devotional hymns, combining narrative movement (from the Ascension event to the call to mission) with expressions of faith and hope. The refrain has been crafted to echo key themes of the Ascension: Christ’s glorification, his abiding presence, and the promise of his return.
Within Singing the Faith, only Norman Wallwork’s We sing the praise of Jesus (StF 315) describes the Ascension in detail. Christ, our King before creation (StF 318) by Ivor Jones is also suitable, and Brian Wren’s resurrection hymn Christ is alive! works well in this context, exploring the same themes as Jason. Also see The name of Jesus (website only) by Mary Rose Jensen.
Jason McMahon-Riley is a Methodist minister, currently serving in Nottingham North East Circuit. You can read about his "ordination story". Jason is the Musical Director of the British Methodist Choral Society. Also see his Dust and ashes mark our sorrow (website only).