Summary

Christ’s Ascension Word on the Week 10th October 2026.
After the Lord Jesus ascended into heaven the work on earth was continued by God’s Holy Spirit. This is first recorded in the Book called The Acts of the Apostles. As the Gospel message is embraced by the Apostles they take it to all the world. Converts are formed into churches and continue to spread the truth that is Jesus Christ.
This work is recorded in the Books of the New Testament. The last Book reveals the heavenly work of Christ among the churches of the redeemed. It was given in a vision to the Apostle John in the Book of The Revelation.
With the risen Christ in view the Hymn writer set about to write a hymn embracing the work of Jesus in heaven and earth.

Thomas Kelly (1769 – 1855) a native of Athy in Co Kildare.
1. The head that once was crowned with thorns
Is crowned with glory now;
A royal diadem adorns
The mighty victor's brow.
The highest place that Heav'n affords
Is his, is his by sovereign right,
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
And Heav'n's eternal light.
2. The joy of all who dwell above,
The joy of all below,
To whom he manifests his love
And grants his name to know.
To them, the cross, with all its shame,
With all its grace is given;
Their name an everlasting name,
Their joy the joy of Heav'n.
3. They suffer with their Lord below,
They reign with him above;
Their profit and their joy to know
The mystery of his love.
The cross he bore is life and health,
Though shame and death to him;
His people's hope, his people's wealth,
Their everlasting theme.
Kelly manages to encompass the work of Christ in Salvation on earth with the exultation of the redeemed in heaven. Pray that by God’s grace you may enter into ‘the joy of heaven’.