A musical meditation for Advent: ‘The Angel Gabriel’

Here’s a haunting carol for you, courtesy King’s College, as we prepare for the last week before Christmas: “The Angel Gabriel.”

The words:

The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came By: Basque carol, para. Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924 The angel Gabriel from heaven came, With wings as drifted snow, with eyes as flame: “All hail to thee, O lowly maiden Mary, Most highly favored lady.” Gloria! “For know 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 God’s holy name.” Most highly favored lady.” Gloria! Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born In Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn, And Christian folk through-out the world will ever say: “Most highly favored lady.” Gloria!