Advent Reflections Day 6

The angel softly entered the Virgin’s chamber, and allaying her fear, said, ‘Hail, queen of virgins; thou shalt conceive the Lord of heaven and earth and give virgin birth to mankind’s Saviour; thou art made the portal of heaven, the balm of our sins.’ 

‘How shall I conceive, who have known no man? How shall I break my mind’s steady vow?’ 

‘The grace of the Holy Spirit shall accomplish all; fear thou not, but rejoice and be sure that thy chaste purity will abide, through God’s power.’ 

The noble Virgin said in answer to him, ‘I am the lowly handmaiden of the all-powerful God. My will is thine, heavenly messenger and keeper of such secrets: What I hear, I long to see completed, I am ready to give birth, according to God’s plan.’ 

Ah, mother of our Lord, who restored peace to angels and man when thou conceivedst Christ, beseech thy Son, that he may show Himself merciful unto us and remove our sins. Thou providest help to enjoy the blessed life after this exile.

Text: 13th Century traditional
Tr. Christopher Brunelle