Of the Father's Love Begotten, ELW 295 and LBW 42
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 Oh, that birth forever blessed,
when the virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bore the Savior of our race,
and the babe, the world's redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore.
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 Let the heights of heav'n adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing;
pow'rs, dominions, bow before him
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
ev'ry 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.
Devotion
Some hymns are like a pool where little children can splash in the water and adults can plunge into the depths. "Of the Father's Love Begotten" has resonated within cathedral walls throughout the centuries, ringing faith in ears of believers.
Prayer
God of creativity and imagination, thank you for poets, musicians and artists, who orchestrate hearts and voices to sound your unceasing praise. May your love, manifested in your son, Jesus Christ, forever joyfully color our hearts and lives. Amen.