"Love! Do you know the meaning of the word?" 'How should I not?' said the Lady, 'I am in love...in Love Himself.'
~C.S. Lewis
The Great Divorce

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Hymn for the Annunciation

My attempt to honor the Blessed Virgin and our Incarnate Savior...I wrote this about a year ago for the feast of the Annunciation. It is to be sung to the tune Vigiles et Sancti-known best probably as the setting for All Creatures of our God and King.

O Virgin Mother of the Way,
To thee we sinners on earth pray.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Hail to thee Mary, full of grace,
Now bear the Savior of our race!
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Mankind's deliv'rance long foretold,
The ancient prophecy unfolds.
Alleluia, Alleluia.
New Eve, in whose obedience,
New Adam comes to recompense!
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

The law, the manna, and the rod,
dwell in her womb, Mother of God!
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Fulfiller of the law's demands,
Gives bread for life by his own hand.
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Then, let us sing Magnificat,
To Jesus, our Incarnate God!
Alleluia, Alleluia!
With Blessed Mary, Virgin bright,
All saints and angels in the height!
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Amen.