Here’s the Gull Stitch cardigan.

Here’s a Cranberry Coffee Cake.

Almond cake with a ribbon of leftover cranberry sauce in the middle. My favorite use of cranberry sauce.

And here’s the start of a Christmas sock for #1 son.

On this second Sunday of Advent, we begin to hear the Christmas story. We sang Lessons and Carols today, and it began with Genesis and Isaiah, but for most situations, it starts with Mary’s visit from the Angel Gabriel, the messenger from God.

Many people think this song, “Gabriel’s Message,” was written by Sting, but that is not the case. Sabine Baring Gould wrote the words and set them to an old Basque carol.

 Gabriel’s Message

1 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 favoured lady.’
Gloria!

2 ‘For known a blessèd Mother thou shalt be,
all generations laud and honour thee,
thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold;
most highly favoured 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 his holy name’:
most highly favoured lady.
Gloria!

4 Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ was born
in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas mom,
and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say
‘Most highly favoured lady.’
Gloria!