Luke 1:26-45; 2:1-20

1. Gabriel appeared in Nazareth town And stood before Mary's gentle eyes. She trembled, cast down her ties, And could not gather her thoughts around. For the angel with his wondrous light Frightened her, betrothed, in that very hour When she awaited marriage's bower And had so many tasks in sight. "Rejoice, rejoice, you full of grace! The Lord has found you in His place! The Lord is with you!" cried the angel bright. The maiden silent stood. The angel's greeting Stirred in the woman's heart such meeting Of wonder, while her awe showed her devout sight.

2. "Fear not, Mary, grace without measure You've found before the Holy Lord. You'll bear within a Son adored— And comes the day to birth this treasure. You'll call Him Jesus. All will praise Your Son throughout the world so wide. The Lord will give to Him beside The golden throne—and He shall reign always. O, do not grieve that you knew not man. God's mighty power shall overscan, And Holy Spirit shall descend on you in full. Your Son shall be called God's own Son too. He'll put new life in hearts and through All His words and deeds shall be most beautiful."

3. For God no impossible thing's been! "Let it be done as He desires." And angel from the air retires— And Mary was left there alone. Quick to her cousin. O, surely not by chance The angel brings her joy to hear. Let her pure heart receive with cheer, For happiness grows when two souls dance. Lips touched the lips of Elizabeth— And God's own secrets came beneath: "The Mother of the Lord has come to me! Blessed are you among all women here, And blessed is He you shall bear, so dear, And blessed are you for believing faithfully!"

4. Joseph goes from Nazareth, from Galilee, With Mary to Bethlehem in Judea's land. Caesar Augustus added to his command— A census of all people, each and free. Here is the city of his fathers' day. No room Was found in any inn for rest. What now? The pregnant woman's pressed— She needs to rest in this cold gloom. At last a cave they found nearby, Where sheep and goats and oxen lie… Here the world saw a miracle beyond compare! Mary wrapped the Firstborn child with care. She gave her heartfelt thanks to God up there— And happy tears streamed down from her eyes fair.

5. So warm for shepherds by the fire's glow. The flock, exhausted, rests its head. Night all around. But flames spread— And field and stubble come to show. What light is this? What wonders so? An angel! Angel in the Lord's own glory! And shepherds, tough and brave in story— All their courage melts like snow. "Fear not, for a marvel has come to pass— Your Savior, Christ, is born, alas, In Bethlehem, in a manger, in swaddling fold. And God's own army in that hour Descended from the sky with power In robes of starlight, singing glory manifold."

6. To Bethlehem wise men make their way, To bow before the King of Jews, And do not count their age as news, Each bearing treasure on display. A bright star shows them forth the path, And God's own angels guard them well. Though Herods on the infant dwell— They shall not cross the Savior's path. Behold, the holy family found! And they fell down upon the ground, And were not ashamed of tears of joy, For God himself they saw, not man's employ. And pure gold, frankincense, and myrrh Each gave from treasures they did stir.

7. My Lord, Your angel did proclaim To me Your happy nativity, And I thought: "Can this truly be?"— Climbing out of doubt like flame. And so to see the Child I yearned!... Unbelief conquered in my grieving heart. And found You then—O blessed part!— Within my soul—and weeping, I discerned. Then to You I brought for joy supreme Fervent praises like fragrant steam, And myrrh most sweet. (By You I fled from death's dark seat!) And I desire that You receive from me Gold-red works of love eternally, As proof of gratitude's complete.