31 Days of Song, Day #14

I'm thankful I can still go to Bible club every once in awhile, even now that I'm in college.  I'm going today for the last club meeting before Christmas; it should be a special time.  I love all those kids so much, and it's great to get to see them sometimes still.

"Of the Father's Love Begotten" isn't one of the best known Christmas carols, but it's very beautiful and one definitely worth learning.  I like how it sounds rather haunting and pensive.  It was written by Aurelius Prudentius, and was translated from Latin into English by John Mason Neale in 1854.

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,

Bare the Savior of our race,

And the Babe, the world's Redeemer,

First revealed His sacred face

Evermore and evermore.

O ye heights of heaven, adore Him;

Angel hosts, His praises sing;

Powers, dominions, bow before Him

And extol our God and King.

Let no tongue on earth be silent,

Every voice in concert ring

Evermore and evermore.

This is He whom Heaven-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.

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.

-- Aurelius Prudentius