December the First - Gabriel's Message
Advent is a season, a time for us to pause, reflect and wait.
We wait for the Christmas season to come, when we recall the birth of Jesus Christ.
And in truth, Advent doesn't begin until Sunday, but we start our Advent calendars today and Christmas music grows in multitude around us in shops, on the radio and anywhere we go.
So let's celebrate with the world around us, as we share our favourite music of the season.
It all began as Mary the mother of Jesus heard a message from an Angel which is recalled in the Carol, Gabriel's Message
There are many versions but this one is very nice indeed
The Angel Gabriel
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 favored lady," Gloria!
"For known a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honor thee,
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold
Most highly favored 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 favored 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 favored lady," Gloria!
Andrew Hill