Christmas Message

“The angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.”—Luke 1:26–27 KJV

As a boy, Sabine Baring-Gould spent a winter in the Basque country in northeast Spain. While there, he became aware of the carols the people sang to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. One carol stirred his heart. It was called “Gabriel’s Message.” Baring-Gould determined to translate this carol and introduce it to the English-speaking world.

The words of this carol, originally written in Latin, told how Mary received the message that she would become the mother of Jesus Christ the Son of God. The carol has a vivid description of Gabriel, whom God used to deliver this message. It was clear that he came from Heaven with “wings as drifted snow” and “eyes as flame.”

Gabriel’s message emphasized that God knew Mary’s character and that she was just a “lowly maiden,” but this was a key reason she had been chosen. She would be honored throughout “all generations,” and her son would be “Emmanuel, by seers foretold.”

The original writers of this carol made clear Mary’s commitment to do whatever God called. Each stanza of the hymn closes with the words spoken by Gabriel, “Most highly favored lady, gloria!” This message is told and retold throughout the ages, reminding us why she had been chosen for this important assignment.

Today, remember to cultivate this spirit in your life. Always be ready to obey God and do whatever He calls you to do.

Reflection Question: What is God asking you to do for Him in this season?