The fourth Sunday of Advent
First Reading: 2 Samuel 7.1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16: The Lord will protect the dynasty of David forever.
Responsorial Psalm: 89. 1-2, 3-4, 26+28 (R. 1a)
Response:
Second Reading: Romans 16.25-27: The mystery, so long held secret, is now revealed to all.
Gospel Acclamation:
Gospel: Luke 1.26-38: You will conceive in your womb and bear a son.
Carol: The Angel Gabriel from heaven came
Words: Basque carol, paraphrased by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924)
Music: Basque traditional carol, arranged by Clarles Edgar Pettman (1866-1943)
1 The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
With wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.
"All hail," said he, "O lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favored lady." Gloria!
2 "How blest among all women you shall be,
Whom ev'ry age will praise continally.
Your Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold.
"Most highly favored lady." Gloria!
3 Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head.
"To me be as it pleases God," she said.
"My soul shall laud and magnify God's holy name."
Most highly favored lady. Gloria!
4 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 lady." Gloria!