ERE the blue heavens were stretched abroad, From everlasting was the Word: With God He was; the Word was God, And must as God be here adored.
By His own power were all things made; By Him supported all things stand; He is the whole creation’s Head, And angels fly at His command.
Ere sin was born, or Satan fell, He led the host of morning stars; His generation who can tell, Or count the number of His years?
But see, He leaves His home above, A body takes on earth below, That He may show His glorious love, And save us from our guilt and woe.
Mortals with joy beheld His face, The eternal Father’s only Son; How full of Truth! how full of grace! When through His eyes the Godhead shone!
Archangels leave their high abode To learn new mysteries here, and tell The love of our descending God, The glories of Emmanuel.
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748