“Of the Father’s Love Begotten” is based upon Prudentius’s 4th century Latin poem “Corde natus.” This poem was translated and paired with the medieval plainchant “Divinum mysterium.” Thomas Helmore, in 1851, coupled the text and melody in the form we are familiar with today.

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 a 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 O ye heights of heaven adore Him,
angel hosts, His praises sing,
pow’ers, dominions, bow before Him,
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
ev’ery voice in concert ring
evermore and evermore!

4 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!