1 The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
"All hail," said he, "O lowly maiden Mary,"
most highly favoured lady: Gloria!

2 "For know a blessed mother you shall be,
all generations praise continually,
your son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,"
most highly favoured lady: Gloria!

3 Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
"To me be as it pleases God," she said,
"my soul shall laud and magnify his holy name,"
most highly favoured lady: Gloria!

4 Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say:
most highly favoured lady: Gloria!
"Most highly favored maiden." Gloria!