61. Of the Father's Love Begotten

1 Of the Father's love begotten,
ere the worlds began to be,
Christ is Alpha and Omega,
Christ the source, the ending he,
of the things that are and have been,
and that future years shall see,
evermore and evermore.

2 At his word the worlds were framed.
He commanded, it was done:
heaven and earth and depths of ocean
in their threefold order one;
all that grows beneath the shining
of the moon and burning sun,
evermore and evermore.

3 O that birth for ever blessèd!
When the Virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bare the Saviour of our race,
and the babe, the world's redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore.

4 This is he whom seers in old time
chanted of with one accord,
whom the voices of the prophets
promised in their faithful word;
now he shines, the long-expected;
let creation praise its Lord,
evermore and evermore.

5 O ye heights of heaven, adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing;
powers, dominions, bow before him,
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
every voice in concert ring,
evermore and evermore.

6 Christ, to thee with God most blessèd,
and, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving,
and unwearied praises be,
honour, glory, and dominion
and eternal victory,
evermore and evermore.

Text Information
First Line: Of the Father's love begotten
Title: Of the Father's Love Begotten
Translator: John Mason Neale (1851, alt.)
Author: Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (ca. 405)
Meter: 8 7 8 7 8 7 7 7
Language: English
Publication Date: 1996
Topic: The Christian Year: Christmas; Adoration and Praise; Angels (42 more...)
Tune Information
Name: DIVINUM MYSTERIUM
Arranger: Healey Willan (1933)
Meter: 8 7 8 7 8 7 7 7
Key: E♭ Major
Source: Plainsong melody ca. 12th century
Copyright: Arrangement copyright © 1933. Reprinted with permission of the Estate of Healey Willan.



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