Service Book and Hymnal of the Lutheran Church in America ‎#17a

17a. Of the Father's love begotten

1 Of the Father's love begotten
Ere the worlds began to be,
He is 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.

2 O that birth for ever blessed,
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. A-men.

3 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.

4 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.

5 Christ, to thee, with God the Father,
And, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving,
And unwearied praises be:
Honor, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory,
Evermore and evermore.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Of the Father's love begotten
• Translator (vs. 1-4): John Mason Neale, 1818-66
• Author: Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, 348-413
• Translator (v. 5): Henry Williams Baker, 1821-77
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7, 8 7 7.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1958
• Topic: The Church Year: Christmas
• Copyright: The Hymnal (1940); by permission of the Church Pension Fund
• Notes: Now Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: DIVINUM MYSTERIUM (CORDE NATUS EX PARENTIS)
• Arranger: Winfred Douglas, 1867-1944
• Meter: 8 7, 8 7, 8 7 7.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: 13th century Plainsong, Mode V.