Scripture Verse

Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name Jesus. Luke 1:31

Introduction

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J. Athelstan Riley (1858–1945)

Words: Un­known au­thor, 9th Cen­tu­ry (Ave, Mar­is Stel­la). Trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by J. Ath­el­stan Ri­ley in The Eng­lish Hym­nal (Lon­don: Ox­ford Uni­ver­si­ty Press, 1906), num­ber 213.

Music: Ave Mar­is Stel­la 18th Cen­tu­ry tune (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

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The Annunciation
Francesco Albani
1578–1660

Lyrics

Hail, O star that pointest
Towards the port of Hea­ven,
Thou to whom as maiden
God for Son was given.

When the salutation
Gabriel had spoken,
Peace was shed upon us,
Eva’s bonds were broken.

Bound by Satan’s fetters,
Health and vision needing,
God will aid and light us
At thy gentle pleading.

Jesu’s tender mother,
Make thy supplication
Unto Him who chose thee
At His incarnation;

That, O matchless maiden,
Passing meek and lowly,
Thy dear Son may make us
Blameless, chaste and holy.

So, as now we journey
Aid our weak endeavor,
Till we gaze on Je­sus,
And rejoice for­ev­er.

Father, Son and Spi­rit,
Three in One confessing,
Give we equal glo­ry,
Equal praise and blessing.