The angel Gabriel spoke to Mary and Joseph; he brought joyous news to Mary, then had to allay Joseph’s fears. The melody is loosely based on the written music in the Oxford Book of Carols. The song comes from Cornwall.
lyrics
When righteous Joseph wedded was to Israel’s Hebrew maid, the angel Gabriel came from heaven, and to the Virgin said: ‘Hail, blessed Mary, full of grace, the Lord remain on thee; thou shalt conceive and bear a son, our Savior for to be”:
Then sing you all, both great and small, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell! We may rejoice to hear the voice of the angel Gabriel.
Then Joseph thought to shun all shame and Mary to forsake; but God’s dear angel in a dream his mind did undertake: ‘Fear not, old Joseph, she’s thy wife, she’s still a spotless maid; there’s no conceit or sin at all against her can be laid’:
Thus Mary and her husband kind together did remain, until the time of Jesus’ birth, as scripture doth make plain. As mother, wife, and virtuous maid, our Savior sweet conceived; and in due time to bring us Him, of whom we are bereaved:
Sing praises all both young and old, to him that wrought such things; and all without the means of man, sent us the King of kings. Who is of such a spirit blest, that with his might did quell, the world, the flesh and by his death did conquer death and hell
credits
from The Court of a King,
released June 1, 1998
Words & music: Traditional, Cornish origin
Jennifer: fiddle; Pat: bodhran, backing vocals; Mark: whistle, backing vocals;Mike: bouzouki, backing vocals; Tony: uillean pipes, vocals; Hilde: cello
The Crossing is a talented group of musicians firmly rooted in the traditional celtic music featuring bagpipes, whistles,
fiddle, cello and harp among their many instruments. They blend original songs with traditional Irish and Scottish jigs and reels as well as atmospheric ballads. With their songs they get you thinking while their instrumentals get your feet moving....more
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