January 19, 2021
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:1
Written in the 5th century, the hymn, “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” was based on a poem by Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, the greatest Christian poet of his time. The text of this poem is a confession of faith to the Christ, the Son of God, whose birth and saving ministry came as a fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
Many people may not know this hymn; however, I love the feeling this hymn evokes. The music is written in plainsong, which means it has no specific rhythm or meter, it just flows along. I especially love the words in the third verse:
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.
Let no tongue on earth be silent!
Speak up! Sing! Proclaim!
Jennifer Sheldon