The hymn text is drawn from the Collection of Masses of the Blessed Virgin Mary, specifically the prayers and scriptural selections for the Advent Time Mass of "The Blessed Virgin Mary and the Annunciation of the Lord." The text is not merely about the Annunciation as a private moment in Nazareth. It repeatedly emphasizes Christ's royal identity:

"wear the regal crown"
"a noble Son"
"The Savior, great Emmanuel"
"the high and Holy One"

The opening paraphrase comes from Rorate caeli ("Drop down, you highest heavens"). 

I have set the text to the tune of ST. THEODULPH (All Glory, Laud, and Honor), I am looking at this tune through the lens of Christ's entry into the world through the virginal womb as a parallel to His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Both events reveal the coming King, though one in humility and the other in public acclaim. Yet I wonder whether the tune's strong Palm Sunday associations might lead some congregations to think first of Holy Week rather than the mystery of the Incarnation? 

For that reason, I have also considered AURELIA ("The Church's One Foundation"), I like the processional strength of this tune and because it doesn't carry the seasonal associations like ST.THEODULPH does.

As always your thoughts and comments are appreciated. 

The Annunciation of the Lord
Title: Drop Down, You Highest Heavens
Meter: 76.76 D
Tune: ST. THEODULPH (All Glory, Laud, and Honor) or AURELIA (The Church’s One Foundation)

Verse 1
"Drop down, you highest heavens, 
And rain the Just One down; 
Let earth bring forth the Savior 
To wear the regal crown!" 
The Lord has sent His angel
To Galilee's green land, 
To tell how human nature 
Is shaped by God's own hand.

Verse 2
From David's house a Virgin 
Had found the Lord's high grace; 
Though troubled by the greeting, 
She brought relief to race. 
"Behold, you shall conceive Him, 
And bear a noble Son; 
The Savior, great Emmanuel, 
The high and Holy One."

Verse 3
The Virgin heard with pure faith 
The secret Word decreed, 
That Christ among the peoples 
Should come for human need.
The Spirit's power o'ershadowed 
Her pure and spotless shrine, 
Fulfilling Israel's long hope 
In flesh that is divine.

Verse 4 (Doxology)
To God the Father glory, 
To Christ, the Word made flesh, 
To Holy Spirit praise be, 
Who makes our world afresh. 
O source of our salvation, 
Blest Trinity we raise 
With all the ranks of angels 
An endless hymn of praise.

I thought I would try my hand at composing lyrics for a new Advent hymn.  The hymn is called Chosen Daughter of Israel and I set it to the melody WINCHESTER NEW or On Jordan's Bank. 

This hymn draws its inspiration from the Advent liturgies honoring Mary as the Chosen Daughter of Israel. Rooted in Scripture and the Church's prayer, it reflects Advent's promises of salvation, presenting Mary as the faithful daughter of Israel through whom Christ, the long-awaited Savior, comes into the world.

Your thoughts and suggestions are welcomed. Verse 4 (Doxology)
To God the Father, source of might,
To Christ the Lord, our saving Light,
And to the Spirit, Lord of love,
Be praise from earth and heaven above.

Did Catholics once sing a different version of Nearer, My God, to Thee?

For nearly seventy years, American Catholic hymnals replaced Sarah Adams' famous text with a unique Sacred Heart adaptation that reshaped the hymn into a powerful prayer of devotion and reparation.

Join me this month as we uncover this forgotten chapter of Catholic hymnody and explore how one of Christianity's most beloved melodies became a vehicle for catechesis through melody and Eucharistic faith.

Please visit Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns

https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/catholic-nearer-my-god-to-thee/

For this month’s featured article, I invite you to discover the life and legacy of Sister Mary Editha, B.V.M., a gifted Catholic hymn composer whose beautiful music shaped devotional life. Drawing on exclusive archival research and historical sources, this article traces her life, ministry, and hymnody. It features a three-column manuscript gallery and—for the first time—actual archival vocal and instrumental recordings performed by the student choirs of Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona. Her story offers a rare, moving glimpse into the history of Catholic hymnody and the dedicated women who safeguarded the musical memory of our faith.

Please take a moment to read, listen, and explore this important piece of Catholic musical history.

Please visit Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns and read The Music of Sister Mary Editha

https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/sister-mary-editha/

Behind the simple melody of a beloved First Communion hymn lies a century-long mystery involving the Royal College of Music, a forgotten English composer, and the dedicated sisters who shaped American parochial life. From its 1937 radio debut to its thirty-year legacy in an Akron choir loft, "Little White Guest" is more than just a song—it is a musical inheritance. Join me as we uncover the true identity of the mysterious "R.F.M." and explore the "Heart-Garden" that prepared generations of children to welcome their Divine Guest.

Please take a moment to read and explore this important piece of Catholic musical history.

Please visit Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns and read

The Mystagogy of Little White Guest

https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/little-white-guest-hymn-history/

For this month’s featured article, I invite you to discover the life and legacy of Sister Aloysius Dorman, S.N.D., a 19th‑century Catholic hymn composer whose music shaped American devotional life while her name quietly disappeared behind the initials S.N.D. found in older Catholic hymnals. Drawing on archival research and historical sources, this article traces her life, ministry, and hymnody, and presents an extensive catalog of hymns long attributed to her congregation rather than to the woman herself. Her story offers a rare glimpse into the hidden history of Catholic hymnody and the faithful women who helped the Church sing her prayer.

Please take a moment to read and explore this important piece of Catholic musical history.

Please visit Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns and read

Sister Aloysius Dorman and Catholic Hymns

https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/sister-aloysius-dorman-catholic-hymns/

For my HYMN OF THE MONTH, I have chosen a hymn written by a Sister of Mercy from the Convent of Charleville, County Cork, Ireland. The hymn was written to teach the school children their catechism. The verses present a series of affirmations of Catholic belief. Its clear expression of faith makes it especially suitable for school, Youth Ministries, or as a joyful entrance or recessional hymn with a simplicity and sincerity that can speak to all ages. Please take a moment to read about this beautiful Catholic hymn.

Please visit my website Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns and click on HYMN OF THE MONTH.

https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/i-am-a-faithful-catholic/

For my HYMN OF THE MONTH, I have chosen the hymn Silent Night. It has become popular with Catholic Christmas music programs and Christmas concerts in many parishes. Many of you are unaware that there was once Catholic text for the hymn that is very different from what we sing today. In this month’s write-up, I will try to shed some light on the Catholic version of Silent Night. Please take a moment to read about this beautiful Catholic hymn. 

Please take a moment to read about this beautiful Catholic hymn.

Please visit my website Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns and click on HYMN OF THE MONTH.

https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/silent-night/

October is almost here, and for my HYMN OF THE MONTH series, I have chosen one of my favorite Marian hymns. This hymn was written by a Catholic priest and was widely used throughout England, Ireland, and America. Please take a few moments to read about this beloved Catholic priest and his contributions to Catholic hymnody. 

Please visit my website Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns and click on HYMN OF THE MONTH.

https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/mother-of-mercy-day-by-day/

For my HYMN OF THE MONTH, I have chosen a hymn written by Father Edward Caswall a few years after he joined the Catholic Church. This is a wonderful hymn to sing for Adoration, Offertory, or Communion. Please take a moment to read about this beautiful hymn and the contributions he made to Catholic hymnody.

Please visit my website Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns and click on HYMN OF THE MONTH.
 

For my HYMN OF THE MONTH, I have chosen a hymn written by Miss Eliza Allen Starr and composed by Sister Mary Alexis Donnelly, R.S.M. Both women and their contributions to Catholic music have largely been forgotten by all but few vintage organist and hymnologist. Please take a moment to read more about these two wonderful Catholic women and the fruits of their labor.

For my HYMN OF THE MONTH, I have chosen a hymn that is a translation of the Latin Ad Cor Jesu (To the Heart of Jesus) by Monsignor Hugh Thomas Henry, Litt.D., which was published in 1912. The music was composed by Nicola Montani, an accomplished musician, composer, and publisher. The hymn is a testament that devotional hymns which have long been forgotten can once again find their place our Catholic liturgy. Please take a moment to read about this beautiful hymn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Please visit my website Mother of Mercy Catholic Hymns and click on HYMN OF THE MONTH.

https://www.motherofmercycatholichymns.com/o-dearest-love-divine/