Scripture Verse

The angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Luke 1:28

Introduction

illustration
The Annunciation
E. C. Burne-Jones
1833–1898

Words: Gra­cia Grin­dal, 1983.

Music: An­nun­ci­a­tion (Ed­wards) Rus­ty Ed­wards, 1983 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Gracia Grindal
1943–

Lyrics

To a maid engaged to Joseph,
The angel Gabriel came.
Fear not, the angel told her,
“I come to bring good news,
Good news I come to tell you,
Good news, I say, good news.

For you are highly favored
By the God the Lord of all,
Who even now is with you.
You are on earth most blest,
You are most blest, most blessèd,
God chose you, you are blest!

But Mary was most troubled
To hear the angel’s word.
What was the angel saying?
It troubled her to hear,
To hear the angel’s message,
It troubled her to hear.

Fear not, for God is with you,
And you shall bear a child.
His name shall be called Je­sus,
God’s offspring from on high.
And he shall reign for­ev­er,
Forever reign on high.

How shall this be? said Mary,
I am not yet a wife.
The angel answered quickly,
The power of the Most High
Will come upon you shortly,
Your child will be God’s child.

As Mary heard the angel,
She wondered at his words.
Behold, I am your handmaid,
She said unto her God.
So be it; I am rea­dy
According to your word.