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 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 morn
And everyone throughout the world forever saved
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
Gabriel’s Message ~ Sting
I first heard this song sometime in the ’80s. Musically depicting the events told to us in Luke chapter 1 (verses 26-38, 46-55), I was originally drawn to the description of the Angel Gabriel and what it must have been like to have been visited by a messenger of God! Now that I am older and in a different place in my walk with God, I am still drawn to this song, although now focusing on Mary and her obedience.
“To me be as it pleaseth God.” – that line always brings goose bumps! In Luke 1:38, Mary says more specifically: “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” What beautiful humility! What a servant’s heart! What a willingness to be a vessel (literally) for God. Surely she had to know the risks, the potential to be shunned and humiliated. What would Joseph think? What if he left her? She was a “lowly maiden” – what if she was financially unable to take care of herself and her child? What an amazing trust in God to fulfill His promise to her! In verses 46-55 we see Mary’s beautiful song of praise:
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm, He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their throne but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as He said to our fathers.”
“To me be as it pleaseth God.” Mary’s obedience brought our Savior into the world! Do I say to the Lord, “May it be to me as you have said”? May we follow Mary’s example and be as obedient, sisters! When we do, God uses US as vessels for His divine purpose, and brings blessings to others!
Merry Christmas!
And may God bless you richly with rewards for your obedience to Him!
