Gabriel's Blessing
SATB, S and B soli, and organ. A mini-scena setting of the Annunciation text from Luke, incorporating text (and tune) from the carol What Child is This. Includes the Magnificat. What a wonderful piece for the fourth sunday of Advent!
In the sixth month, the Angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph. And the virgin's name was Mary.
Hail, thou that art highly favoured. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women. For behold, thou shalt bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word.
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold from henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me,
And Holy is is Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with his arm,
He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, as he promised to our forefathers,
Abraham and his seed, for ever.
What Child is this, who laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here,
The silent Word is pleading.
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh;
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of Kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.