"Of the Father's Love Begotten"

I have loved this haunting, ancient hymn since I was a young child. I remember it touching something (my spirit) deep within me.

"Of the Father's love begotten, ere the world 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 the Virgin full of grace
By the Holy Ghost conceiving, bare the Savior of our race
And the Babe, the world's Redeemer, first revealed His sacred face
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!

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!"              [Tune below]

--Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, 348-413 AD

Translated into English in 1854