The Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.”

Turn to page 356 in your hymnals because we are kicking off our countdown to Christmas with “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.” Let God prepare your hearts this Advent as we explore the history behind the hymn and then, stanza-by-stanza, examine the themes and message of the lyrics against Scripture. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for this seasonal favorite. Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/356.

Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

Lutheran Service Book 356

1 The angel Gabriel from heaven came,

With wings as drifted snow, with eyes as flame:

"All hail to thee, O lowly maiden Mary,

Most highly favored lady." Gloria!

2 "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!

3 Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head;

"To me be as it pleaseth God," she said.

"My soul shall laud and magnify God's holy name."

Most highly favored 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 favored lady." Gloria!

Text Information

First Line: The angel Gabriel from heaven came,

Title: The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came

Paraphraser: Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834-1924

Meter: 10 10 11 7 3

Language: English

Publication Date: 2006

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38; Isaiah 7:14

Topic: Feasts and Festivals

Source: Basque, c. 18th cent.

Tune Information

Name: GABRIEL'S MESSAGE

Arranger: C. Edgar Pettman, 1865-1943

Meter: 10 10 11 7 3

Key: g minor

Source: Basque, c. 18th cent.

Copyright: Setting © 1955, ren. 1983 E. H. Freeman, ltd; admin Hal Leonard Corporation

Learn more: hymnary.org/hymn/LSB2006/356