Ere the Blue Heavens Were Stretched Abroad GERMANY—Ludwig von Beethoven? Ere the Blue Heavens Were Stretched Abroad 1 Ere the blue heavens were stretched abroad, From everlasting was the Word: With God he was; the Word was God. And must divinely be adored. 2 By his own power were all things made; By him supported, all things stand: He is whole creation’s head, And angels fly at his command 3 But, lo! he leaves those heavenly forms: The Word descends and dwells in clay, That he may hold converse