{The Annunciation (1898), Henry Ossawa Tanner}
The church calendar is fresh and new and all is anticipation, expectation. The year begins with celebration. Secret gifts are made ready, special messages will be sent, feasting and songs and poetry will fill the season with jubilation.
We celebrate by refreshing our remembrance that God came to us as a baby. That Word made flesh said, “Become like this little child.” Our children love poetry and nothing helps us join in their child-like believing, enter into their inexhaustible wonder, capture the song of the heart like the shared and spoken poetry of this sacred season.
This advent season, Living Books Library shares children’s poetry to bring delight to your ear and heart.
By Sabne Baring-Gould (1834-1924)
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes aflame;
“All hail,” said he, “Though lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
“For know a blessed mother though shalt be,
All generations laud and honor thee,
Thy son shall be Emanuel, 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, Emanuel, the Christ, was born,
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas mourn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,
“Most highly favored lady, Gloria!”
“And with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto
me according to thy word.’”—Luke 1:36-37, KJV)
For joy,
Liz