Of the Father's Heart Begotten

“Of the Father’s Heart Begotten” is a timeless Christmas hymn whose origins trace back to a 4th-century Latin poem, Corde natus ex parentis, written by the Roman Christian poet Aurelius Prudentius Clemens. The English translation was crafted by John Mason Neale in 1861, who was renowned for translating many ancient Latin hymns into English. Neale’s translation retains the theological depth and poetic structure of the original, celebrating Christ’s eternal generation from the Father and His incarnation as a human child.

The hymn’s text emphasizes the eternal nature of Christ, highlighting that He is begotten of the Father before all worlds, yet became flesh for the salvation of humanity. It combines doctrinal richness with devotional warmth, presenting the mystery of the incarnation while inviting worshipers to join in praise. Its language is both majestic and contemplative, reflecting the medieval Latin hymn’s solemnity while making it accessible to English-speaking congregations.

Musically, the hymn is most commonly set to the plainsong melody Divinum Mysterium, which complements the reflective and reverent nature of the text. Over the centuries, it has become a staple in Advent and Christmas services, appreciated for its theological profundity and meditative quality. The hymn remains a cherished part of Christian worship, bridging early Christian poetic tradition with modern congregational devotion.