Gabriel's Message (Arr. Edgar Pettman)

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 known a blessèd Mother, thou shalt be

All generations laud and honour thee

Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, 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, Emmanuel, 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!