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
bore the saviour of our race,
and the babe, the world's redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore.

[3]
This is he whom seers and sages
sang of old with one accord,
whom the voices of the prophets
promised in their faithlul word;
now he shines, the long-expected:
let creation praise its Lord
evermore and evermore.

[4]
In the heights of heaven 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,
every voice in concert sing
evermore and evermore.