Advent Hymn: “Of the Father’s love begotten” (YouTube)

“Of the Father’s love begotten”
Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, 4th c

Of the Father’s love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be, He the Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see, Evermore and evermore!

Oh that birth forever-blessèd, When the Virgin, full of grace, By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bore the Saviour of our race; And the Babe, the world’s Redeemer, First displayed His sacred face, Evermore and evermore!

Birth_of_Jesus_stained_glass2This is He whom seers in time of old, 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!

Let the 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!

Christ, to Thee with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost to Thee, Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving, And unwending praises be: Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory, Evermore and evermore!

Amen.