Enjoy this traditional acapella rendition of an ancient Christian hymn.

"Of the Father's Love Begotten," the hymn linked above and here, is one of the church's oldest connections to the doxologies, or songs of praise, of early Christianity. The words were originally written in the 4th century, by Roman poet Aurelius Prudentius. The melody, called "Divinum Mysterium" is from the 13th century. Take three minutes to listen to this acapella version or to read the lyrics below. Why has this hymn endured for more than 1,000 years? What ancient wisdom does it reveal about the nature of God?

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!

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!

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!

O ye 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,

every voice in concert ring,

evermore and evermore!

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.

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Image used with permission from the artist, Scott Erickson.

Contact Rachel Wright, Director of Communications, with questions or concerns about these daily Advent devotionals.