Mary’s Magnificat

Choral Advent Calendar for December 26th, the Synaxis of the Mother of God

Nativity of Christ, detail of a fresco at Visoki Dečani Monastery, Kosovo

Christ is born!

For the second day of the feast—which, in the Byzantine Rite, is dedicated to the Mother of God (St. Stephen is on the 27th)—here is an exquisite gem of a choral anthem (not really a carol) meditating on the intimacy and love between our Lady and her infant Son. The piece is unusual (in choral music) because the composer and lyricist are the same: Andrew Carter (b. 1939).

Softly a light is stealing,  
Sweetly a maiden sings,  
Ever wakeful, ever wistful,  
Watching faithfully, thankfully,  
Tenderly her King of kings.  
  
My soul doth magnify,  
Doth magnify the Lord:  
And my spirit hath rejoiced,  
Rejoiced in God my Saviour.  
  
Mary her song to Jesus  
Softly serenely sings:  
“I will love you, I will serve you,  
May my lullaby glorify,  
Magnify my King of kings.”

Lullaby, lullaby.