Advent Calendar 2008

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Day Twenty Four: 23rd December

23rd December

Isaiah 7
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying,

11 Ask a sign of the Lord your God, let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.

12 But Ahaz said: I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.

13 Then Isaiah said: " Hear then, O house of David!
Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also?

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.
Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son,
and shall name him Immanuel

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 lady
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 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 favoured 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 favoured lady
Gloria!
words by S. Baring-Gold. tune: Basque Carol, arr Willcocks.