We sang this hymn–which has quite the history–this past Sunday morning to the tune for “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”–

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!

O, 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!

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 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!