Skip to content

Now He shines, the Long-expected; Let creation praise its Lord Evermore and evermore (TLH 98:4).

BibleGateway: Luke 2:1-20

ESV Text: Luke 2:1-20


KJV Text:

The section starts at about 0:0 and ends at about 2:27

Right click here to save the file for off-line use.

     1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

     8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.(KJV)


Hymn: TLH 98:
Of the Father’s Love Begotten

— Organ Audio

Right click here to save the file for off-line use.


1. 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. 

2. Oh, 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. 

3. 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. 

4. This is He whom Heav’n-taught singers 
Sang of old with one accord; 
Whom the Scriptures of the prophets 
Promised in their faithful word. 
Now He shines, the Long-expected; 
Let creation praise its Lord 
Evermore and evermore. 

5. Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, 
And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee 
Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving 
And unending praises be, 
Honor, glory, and dominion, 
And eternal victory 
Evermore and evermore.