Musical Advent Calendar - Day 17

Each day, from December 1 to December 25, I will post the text (and translation, if necessary) of an Advent- or Christmas-themed song, along with the URL for a YouTube video containing that song. (Select "Musical Advent Calendar" from the list of labels in the right sidebar to sort all of them out from the other posts on the blog.) You will note that each selection has a text, collectively representing the last 2000 years, and this is intentional. For the more familiar texts (such as popular Christmas carols), I have chosen a variety of interpretations and performers, from professional choirs to contemporary Christian worship leaders. I suggest that you follow the text as the music plays, and reflect on the words that proclaim the First Advent of our Savior, the Lord Jesus.

May our King, who promises to come again, reveal himself to you in a new way this Advent.

DECEMBER 17

Of the Father's Love Begotten

Text by Marcus Aurelius C. Prudentius (c. 4th century), translated by John M. Neale (1854)
Hymn Tune: "Divinum Mysterium" (c. 13th century)
Performed by de Angelis Vocal Ensemble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IdFoTPZ9RM

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!

Of that birth forever blessed, when the 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!