The Sounds of Christmas

This topic title seems fitting for what I have to report.

The few old-timers remaining on-forum will remember a fellow old-timer: Mister Joe Beale of Ohio, formerly active here as "Father Christmas." I have remained in communication with him. Late last night, via phone, he shared with me a video of his home church's vigil service. His daughter Joy was a featured singer, while Joe himself played guitar.

The video came with some thumbnail-type slides. As a surprise treat, one slide advertised Trail Life U.S.A., the child-safe alternative to Boy Scouts which was created by our own EVENING STAR.
 
A few years ago, a priest friend of mine introduced me to "The Angel Gabriel." While it does have a distinctly Advent feel, because of the fourth verse it also continues well as a Christmas song. To date this is my favorite version. The stage and lighting transport me to Bethlehem, and the devout singing inspires awe:


1. 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!

2. "For know 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!

3. 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!

4. Of her, Emanuel, 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!

source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/christmascarols/a/angelgabriellyrics.html
 
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