The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.
‘˜From God, all hail,’ the angel said to Mary,
‘˜Most highly favoured lady!’ Gloria!
‘˜Fear not, for you shall bear a holy child,
By Him shall we to God be reconciled;
His name shall be Emmanuel, the long-foretold:
Most highly favoured lady!’ Gloria!
Then gentle Mary humbly bowed her head:
‘˜To me be as it pleases God,’ she said,
‘˜My soul shall praise and magnify His holy name.’
Most highly favoured lady! Gloria!
‘˜And so,’ she said, ‘˜how happy I shall be!
All generations will remember me;
For God has kept His promises to Israel.’
Most highly favoured lady! Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel ‘“ the Christ ‘“ was born
In Bethlehem, upon that Christmas morn.
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say,
‘˜Most highly favoured lady! Gloria!’