The Annunciation of Mary, a key event in Christianity, is a tale of divine intervention and profound obedience. It commemorates the moment when the Angel Gabriel delivered a divine message to the Virgin Mary.
Known as the Feast of the Annunciation, this event is celebrated every year on March 25th, serving as a beacon of faith and a momentous occasion in the calendar of the Christian religion.
featured image: Leonardo da Vinci artist QS:P170,Q762 Livioandronico2013, Annunciation (Leonardo), CC BY-SA 4.0
Table of Contents
- The Story of the Annunciation of Mary: Angel Gabriel’s Visit
- Mary’s Response to the Angel
- Luke 1: 26-38 The Annunciation of Mary in the Bible
- The Beautiful Bible Verses with the words of Mary after the Annunciation
- The Annunciation of Mary – Video
- The Feast of the Annunciation: A Time for Reflection and Celebration
- The Feast Day Tradition: Commemorating the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin
- The Annunciation of Mary FAQ
The Story of the Annunciation of Mary: Angel Gabriel’s Visit
In the sixth month, God sent the Angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth. There, a virgin named Mary, engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, was to receive a life-changing message.
Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive a child through the Holy Ghost. He came to her and said,
“Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was very much perplexed by his words, and she pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Yet, the Angel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be called the Son of the Most High.”
Mary’s Response to the Angel
Despite her initial confusion, Mary’s reply was one of humble acceptance. Mary said to the Angel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to thy word.”
This response shows her willing submission to God’s plan as a servant of the Lord, accepting the Angel Gabriel’s message and the role she was to play as the Mother of the Son of God. It was her unyielding faith, reflected in her Magnificat, that has reverberated across centuries, instilling inspiration and spiritual strength in believers.
Luke 1: 26-38 The Annunciation of Mary in the Bible
The passage from Luke 1:26-38 paints a detailed picture of the Annunciation, an event pivotal in Christian faith. It recounts the moment when Angel Gabriel was sent by God to Virgin Mary. This event, thus, not only marks the initiation of the Incarnation but also emphasizes faith, acceptance, and divine intervention.
Luke 1: 26-29 Gabriel visits Mary
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
Luke 1: 30-37 The message of Gabriel
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1: 38 Mary’s answer
38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Bible Source: King James Bible Online
The Beautiful Bible Verses with the words of Mary after the Annunciation
Mary’s words following the Annunciation, often referred to as the Magnificat, hold deep meaning and inspiration. She opens by magnifying the Lord, showcasing her profound humility and gratitude.
The emphasis on God’s gaze upon her ‘humble state’ and her subsequent blessing reflects a universal message – that God’s grace is not restricted to the lofty but rather, extends to the humble and the lowly.
Her song praises God’s might and holiness, His mercy and strength. The scattering of the proud and the elevation of the lowly underlines the divine preference for humility over arrogance.
The narrative of filling the hungry with good things and sending the rich away empty further underscores God’s compassion for those in need. In remembering mercy for His servant Israel and Abraham’s offspring, Mary conveys God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises.
Overall, these words inspire humility, faithfulness, gratitude, and the courage to believe in divine possibilities. They invite us to trust in God’s providence, in His ability to uplift the humble, and to remain hopeful for His mercy and blessings.
Luke 1: 46-55
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Source: King James Bible Online
The Annunciation of Mary – Video
Enjoy the scene of the Annunciation of Mary in this short video by the YouTube channel Ignatius Press.
The Feast of the Annunciation: A Time for Reflection and Celebration
The Feast of the Annunciation, also known as Lady Day, is a significant feast in the Christian calendar. Observed on March 25, exactly nine months before Christmas, this feast day marks the incarnation of the Son of God.
Celebrations often include special liturgies and prayers, with many reflecting on the Annunciation’s importance and Mary’s unwavering faith.
The Feast Day Tradition: Commemorating the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin
On this feast day, believers beseech blessings and commemorate Mary’s acceptance of her divine role. From the Annunciation, we learn the power of faith and obedience to divine will.
Through her reaction, the Blessed Virgin Mary sets an example for all to accept God’s plan with a willing heart, even when it appears as impossible as a virgin birth or an old woman like her cousin Elizabeth, conceiving a son in her old age.
The Annunciation of Mary FAQ
What does the ‘power of the Most High overshadowing’ mean in the context of the Annunciation?
The phrase “the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee” refers to the miraculous conception of Jesus.
The Holy Ghost’s power would come upon Mary, and by the High’s overshadowing power, she would conceive a holy child, even though she knew not man.
Who is Elizabeth, and why is she mentioned in the Annunciation story?
Mary was cousin of Elizabeth who, in her old age, also conceived a son. The Angel Gabriel told Mary about Elizabeth’s pregnancy to illustrate that nothing will be impossible with God, even the barren bearing a child.
What is the significance of the Annunciation taking place on March 25?
The date of the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, falls exactly nine months before Christmas, signifying the conception of Jesus. The Julian Calendar, the predecessor of the Gregorian calendar, recognized this date as the beginning of the new year.
How does the Annunciation story connect to the house of David?
In delivering the message of an angel, Gabriel informed Mary of her son’s destined royal status. He specified that her child would reign over the house of Jacob, a reference to Jesus’s ancestry that leads back to King David.
God had pledged to David that his kingship would perpetuate for eternity, a promise actualized in the form of Jesus, who is recognized as the everlasting king.
What’s the importance of the Holy Spirit in the Annunciation of Mary?
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in the Annunciation. It was through its holy intervention, that Mary would conceive Jesus. The Angel Gabriel stated, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be holy.”
What does the phrase “For nothing will be impossible with God” mean in the context of the Annunciation?
This phrase emphasizes God’s omnipotence, underscoring that even events that seem humanly impossible, such as a virgin birth or a barren woman like Elizabeth conceiving in her old age, are possible with God.
Conclusion
The Annunciation is a cornerstone event in Christianity, representing not just the heralding of Jesus’s birth, but also emphasizing enduring virtues of faith, humility, and surrender to divine guidance. These virtues are exemplified beautifully by the encounter of Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, an encounter that encapsulates her acceptance and embodiment of these values.
In observing the Feast of the Annunciation, let us honor and meditate on these enduring values that continue to guide our journey of faith. Just as the Angel Gabriel infused Mary’s life with divine illumination, let us welcome the Lord’s grace into our hearts, reminding us of the benevolence the Lord God will give.
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