Christmas Carol That Tells the Whole Story

Of The Father's Love Begotten

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.

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.

This is He whom heav'n-taught singers
sang of old with one accord;
Whom the Scriptures 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 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.

Christ, to you, with God the Father, and the Spirit ceaselessly
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unending praises be,
Honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory
Evermore and evermore!

Text:  Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (348-c.413)
Translator:  v. 1-4, John M. Neale (1818-1866); v. 5, Henry W. Baker (1821-1877)
Tune:  Plainsong melody, 13th century  (Divinum Mysterium)