Of The Father's Love Begotten (Corde Natus Ex Parentis)

A Christmas meditation on the Incarnation set to the 11th c. tune 'Divinum Mysterium' and the hymn 'Of The Father's Love Begotten' that sings praises to the 'Logos', the Eternal Word. 'In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not....and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory (the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
(The Gospel of John)


Of the Fathers 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!

At His Word the worlds were framèd; He commanded; it was done:
Heaven and earth and depths of ocean in their threefold order one;
All that grows beneath the shining
Of the moon and burning sun, evermore and evermore!

O that birth forever blessèd, when the virgin, full of grace,
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, bare the Saviour of our race;
And the Babe, the worlds Redeemer,
First revealed His sacred face, evermore and evermore!

This is He Whom seers in old time chanted of 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!

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 sing, evermore and evermore!

Christ, to Thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to Thee,
Hymn and chant with high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be:
Honour, glory, and dominion,
And eternal victory, evermore and evermore!

From the original Latin of Aurelius Prudentius (5thc.) translated by John M. Neale & Henry W. Baker (19thc.)

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• Of the Father's Love Begotten
• Christmas
• Hymn

[781Florist]

@mattja312- Thank you so very much! I want to get a nice framed and matted print for my home. I just love this beautiful picture!

[mattja312]

@781Florist

The image is titled "La Vierge au Lys" (The Virgin of the Lilies) by French painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905). Bonne chance!

[781Florist]

The image at 3:37 is one of the most beautiful portrayals of the Mother and Child that I've ever seen. If anyone knows where I could get a copy of this picture, I would be very grateful for the information. Thanks. BTW...this version is superb!!

[Hosenfeld24601]

@GrannyAus This is a solo recording by David Miller - from his CD "Quiet Christmas."

[GrannyAus]

This is beautiful. Which orchestra is playing and who is conducting, please?

[KellieDehais]

We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

[KellieDehais]

We love Him becaue He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

[DrMikeStrickland]

absolutely sublime - thankyou!

[masonbarge]

Lovely. It would be better if the music started immediately.

[11119007]

Beautiful!!