Tomorrow's Due Date

The final day of Advent is here. Like Mary, as for all of the world, the time of waiting and preparing is over. She soon shall deliver the One Who will deliver us.

The lyrics of this Basque carol recalls the Annunciation, when all the waiting started:

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! 

"For know a blessed Mother thou shalt be,
all generations laud and honor thee,
thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,
most highly favored lady," Gloria! 

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! 

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 favored lady," Gloria!

The journey to Bethlehem has begun.

Ero cras.