ADVENT 2022: A SEASON OF REMEMBRANCE AND RESTORATION – 12/23/2022
A Hymn of Advent
Gabriel’s Message
(This hymn of Advent is from a Basque-language folk-style Christmas carol about the Annunciation, “Birjina gaztetto bat zegoen”, which is based on Luke 1:26−38, 42−48. The English-language hymn translation was made by English Anglican priest Sabine Baring-Gould (1834 – 1924). The tune which it is usually sung to is based on a traditional Basque tune, arranged by Edgar Pettman and published in 1922.)
Luke 1:26-38 (NRSVUE)
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
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 maiden,” Gloria!
For known a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honour thee,
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold
Most highly favoured maiden,” 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 maiden, Gloria!
Of her Emmanuel, the Christ was born
In Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn
And everyone throughout the world forever saved
Most highly favoured maiden, Gloria!