Of the Father's Love Begotten

Verse 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.

Verse 2

At his word the worlds were framèd; He commanded, it was done: Heav’n and earth and depths of ocean, In their threefold order one; All that grows beneath the shining Of the moon and burning sun—

Verse 3

He was found in human fashion, Death and sorrow here to know, That the race of Adam’s children, Doomed by law to endless woe, May not henceforth die and perish In the dreadful gulf below—

Verse 4

O that birth forever blessèd, 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—

Verse 5

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—

Verse 6

O ye heights of Heav’n adore him! Angel hosts his praises sing! All dominions bow before him And exalt our God and King. Let no tongue on Earth be silent, Every voice in concert ring—

Verse 7

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—