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!

This is one of my favorite hymns ever written. Its lyrics are far more ancient than its music, which was written in the middle ages. It carries the feel of a monastic chant and sings so very well in good acoustical settings.

The lyrics, however, are its true beauty. It describes the Christmas story from the very beginning – meaning the beginning of creation, as it is told in the gospel of John. It then turns to many different aspects and implications of the Christ-child’s arrival, including the importance of God’s ultimate desire to save us in love. It then ends with choruses of angels that lift our souls to the heavens.

Now, here is why this hymn is so important: love is the center of God and everything God does. Love is meant to be everything we are and what we do. We love because God first loved us – is there any better reason to rejoice?

Christ, to thee with God the Father, and O Holy Ghost, to thee, hymn and high thanksgiving, and unwearied praises be: honor, glory, and dominion, and eternal victory, evermore and evermore!