Note: During the season of Advent, messages and lessons will include a unifying focus that coincides with the four themes of the Advent Sundays (hope, peace, love, and joy). Additionally, each week a Christmas song will be featured, which also incorporates the theme.
The focus of the fourth week in Advent is love. This is the final Sunday of the Advent season, and highlights the love that God has for us in sending His Son as our savior. We of course can and should praise the Lord for His love every day, but this Advent Sunday particularly celebrates it. The song suggested here is “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” an old and sometimes less sung hymn that tells the story of redemption.
History: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” was originally written by the Roman poet Aurelius Prudentius, who was born in 348 A.D. and worked as a lawyer, judge, and court official. Towards the end of his life he grew weary of civil service and retired to write. This poem was probably written close to 413, after the Council of Nicea, which established who Jesus was. In about 1582 the poem was translated and used as a medieval chant. In the 1850s it was translated into English by John Mason Neale and Henry Baker, and remains largely the same as what we sing in church now. The tune still has a chanting quality to it, and a beautiful haunting melody.
Lyric Highlights: This poem/song originally contained nine verses. These tell the story of the Incarnation and of God’s redemption plan from the very beginning.
- The first verse describes the eternal nature of Jesus, as Alpha and Omega, beginning and end of all things.
- Verse two describes creation and how all things came to be.
- The third verse talks about the Fall and the hope of a savior, that “the race of Adam’s children…may not henceforth die and perish.”
- The fourth verse talks of the virgin birth of Christ.
- Verse five links back to ancient prophecies, “Promised in their faithful word.”
- Verse six is a chorus of praise to the Messiah.
- Verse seven warns of final judgment for the wicked, and is one that might be left out of some texts.
- The eighth verse tells of men, women, and children singing songs of praise.
- Verse nine concludes the poem/hymn with a victory song to the Trinity.
Of course, most modern churches do not sing all nine verses of the hymn, but looking at them in order gives greater appreciation for the carol as a whole.
Using the song with students:
Advent is a great season to incorporate special hymns and their stories. Of course, younger students might not catch onto the thrill of history or lyric themes as much as older ones, but they can still learn and appreciate the basics of the story behind the carol. This one might not be as familiar but still has excellent theology and Biblical connections. Sing a verse or two with them and talk about God’s love. You might also consider playing various versions of the song for students (of any age).
However you choose to incorporate the song, enjoy the history and meaning behind it as a joyful part of your Advent celebration!