Of the Father’s love begotten

Of the Father’s love begotten Scripture offers many examples of prayers of intercession in a time of national crisis. Yet they all manage to keep their primary emphasis on the Lord, even as those praying bring before Him the troubles they face. And so, as we lift the nation of Ukraine yet once more to the One who is King over all the nations, we begin with a wonderful translation of a Latin hymn celebrating the mystery of the incarnation, and the Father’s love for His Son. It was penned in the late 4th century by Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, a lawyer from the north of Spain, but it would be many centuries before it was translated into English. In our recording, we read the words over an exquisite rendition of the music played by Christiane von Albrecht on keyboard, and Shirley Richards on the violin. 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 and sages sang of old 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 unending praises be, honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory evermore and evermore.