Of the Father's Love Begotten
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By Ken, with Sandy, Timboe
I love this hymn because it does not stop with the fact and the wonder of the birth of Jesus, but explores its meaning. Jesus was present in the creation and throughout all time, he is the Beginning and the End. This Savior/Redeemer, foretold by prophets of old, is first revealed to humans in this baby born. Finally, all heaven and earth with all peoples will sing praises to Jesus with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, a word portrait of Revelation 5. Genesis to Revelation, beginning to end, Jesus is Lord! Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Sola Deo Gloria.
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 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 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!
4 O ye heights of heav'n, adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing:
all 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!
