Contents
About the Carol
"Gabriel's Message" is also known as "The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came." Originally, this carol was a Basque folk carol, which is a region somewhat between Spain and France on the western coast. "Gabriel's Message" was originally written in Basque, but was translated into English by Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924).
Lyrics Back to Top ↑
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 favored 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 favored 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 favored 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 favored Lady, Gloria!
Analysis of Carol Back to Top ↑
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame,
There is no description given of Gabriel, however other angelic beings have been noted for having eyes as flame. However, the wings are even worse, as angelic beings in the Bible rarely have wings. It is only the seraphim that do,(Isaiah 6:2.) the typical angel does not. If the typical angel did, then no one would confuse them with ordinary men.(Such as what happened with Lot. See Genesis 19:1-11.)
Most highly favored Lady, Gloria!
For known a blessed mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honour thee,
Thy son shall be Emmanuel by seers foretold,
Isaiah said this, not Gabriel.(Isaiah 7:14.) Rather, Gabriel said:
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."
Well, it did not occur quite like this. Mary first had a technical question,
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
The name "Emmanuel" is used a few times here, in relation to the Isaiah prophecy. However, very few people call Jesus "Emmanuel." Matthew, however, resolves the conundrum for us by interpreting the name.
and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,
Most highly favored Lady, Gloria!