Advent - Gabriel’s Message

The Angel Gabriel from heaven came,
his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
'All hail', said he, 'thou lowly maiden Mary,
most highly favoured lady.'
Gloria!

'For know, a blessèd mother thou shalt be,
all generations laud and honour thee,
thy son shall be Immanuel, by seers foretold;
most highly favoured lady.'
Gloria!

Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
'To me be as it pleaseth God', she said,
'My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name':
most highly favoured lady.
Gloria!

Of her, Immanuel, the Christ was born
in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,
'Most highly favoured lady.'
Gloria!

Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924)

I think this is my most favourite Advent hymn. Whenever I hear it I am transported back nearly sixty years to a particular nativity concert, performed by the whole school. I and my late sister Kaye, seven years my senior, both took part. It was a magical time, with the excitement of Christmas just around the corner. It also evokes memories of listening to Carols from King’s College Cambridge with my parents on Christmas Eve, waiting to go to Midnight Communion together, again with that special feeling of excitement.

The nativity trio in my photograph was a gift this year from one of my house group friends.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pliqObTHxUQ