THY FATHER’S DEAREST JOY (1995)

​

O Word of God, eternal Son, 

 Thy Father's dearest joy, 

Who shineth with Thy Father's love 

 and doth His Spirit employ, 

Thou art His perfect image, 

 His Glory dost Thou bear,

In Silence deep, beyond all time, 

 His Godhead Thou dost share.

Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo!

​

​

O Word of God, creative Son, 

 Thou didst pour out Thy love, 

And worlds sprang into being, 

 filled with creatures from above. 

Then we the race of men 

 Thou madest as Thy heart's desire, 

That in Thy image we might glow 

 with supernatural Fire.

Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo!

​

O Word of God, long-suffering Son, 

 Thy gift we did refuse; 

We spurned Thy call and turned away, 

 our nature to abuse. 

Thine image tarnished in our hearts, 

 we fled away in pride, 

To plunge ourselves 'neath passion's 

  wave and death's consuming tide.

Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo!

​

O Word of God, incarnate Son, 

 Thou wouldst not let us go! 

In mercy inexpressible 

 Thou camest here below. 

A virgin maid and tiny babe 

 Thine advent did disclose, 

And from the heavens and earth alike 

 a song of joy arose!

Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo!

​

O Word of God, indwelling Son, 

 we glorify Thy Name: 

Lord Jesus Christ, the Father's gift, 

 Who saved us from our shame. 

We open now our hearts to Thee, 

 Thine image to restore, 

And follow where Thy feet have led, 

 to Life forevermore!

Gloria, gloria in excelsis Deo!

​

lyrics by Dr. Richard H. Overman

copyright © 1995 by Sunset Village Music