"Thine Is the Glory" was first written in French by a Swiss pastor, Edmond L. Budry (1854-1932), in 1884. He was the pastor of the Free Church in Vevey for 35 years and wrote the words for several hymns appearing in French hymnals. He wrote this hymn after the passing of his first wife. The tune was adapted from the chorus, "See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes," from George Frideric Handel's oratorio Judas Maccabaeus. In 1923, nearly 40 years later, it was translated into English by Richard B. Hoyle, a Baptist pastor in England.
"Thine Is the Glory" is a beautiful expression of Luke's account of Christ's resurrection and appearance before his disciples (Luke 24). It celebrates the glory and triumph of the resurrection, dispelling doubt and fear and promising victory over sin and death.
In the last stanza and refrain is the central message of the Christian faith: "Risen, conq'ring Son, Endless is the vict'ry Thou o'er death hast won."
The hymn is very popular, especially in England, and is a favorite of the royal family. One reason for this popularity is Handel's rousing tune. It is easy to imagine a military parade celebrating a victory with trumpets joining triumphantly on each refrain.
"But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57)
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