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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 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 pleases 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 maiden." Gloria!
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - 445
Infant holy, infant lowly,
for his bed a cattle stall;
oxen lowing, little knowing
Christ the babe is Lord of all.
Swiftly winging angels singing,
bells are ringing, tidings bringing:
Christ the child is Lord of all!
Christ the child is Lord of all!
Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping
vigil till the morning new;
saw the glory, heard the story,
tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow,
praises voicing, greet the morrow:
Christ the child was born for you!
Christ the child was born for you!
Night of Silence/Silent Night
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child.
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Cold are the people,
winter of life,
We tremble in shadows this cold winter night.
Frozen in the snow lie roses sleeping,
Flowers that will echo the sunrise.
Fire of hope is our only warmth;
Weary its flame will be dying soon.
Voice in the distance, call in the night,
On wind you enfold us,
you speak of the light.
Gentle on the ear you whisper, softly,
Rumors of a dawn to embracing.
Breathless love awaits darkened souls.
Soon will we know of the morning.
Spirit among us, shine like the star,
Your light that guides shepherds and kings from afar.
Shimmer in the sky so empty, lonely,
Rising in the warmth of the Son’s love.
Star unknowing of night and day.
Spirit, we wait for the loving Son.
The First Nowell - 460
The first Nowell the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.This star drew nigh to the northwest;
o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay,
right over the place where Jesus lay.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.Then entered in those wise men three,
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood our life hath bought.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
born is the King of Israel.
We Three Kings - 463
We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts, we traverse afar
Field and fountain, Moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading,
still proceeding,
Guide us to the perfect Light.
Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain,
Gold I bring to crown him again;
King forever, Ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading,
still proceeding,
Guide us to the perfect Light.
Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, Gladly raising,
worshipping God on high.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading,
still proceeding,
Guide us to the perfect Light.
Myrrh is mine: its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in a stone-cold tomb.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading,
still proceeding,
Guide us to the perfect Light.
Glorious now behold him arise,
King and God and Sacrifice;
”Alleluia, alleluia!”
Sounds through the earth and skies.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading,
still proceeding,
Guide us to the perfect life.