Here’s a carol I’d forgotten about, until I saw it suggested on a resources-for-church page, suggesting it as a possible song for yesterday. It is a song that I love, but which isn’t really sung that often. It is an ancient hymn, originally written by the Roman poet Aurelius Prudentius in 348. It reminds us not so much of the humility and impoverished beginnings of Christ’s life, as many carols do, but rather the glory and the praise that will be when he comes to reign.
So here is a hauntingly beautiful rendition, followed by a rather joyous Celtic-inspired instrumental version
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 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