In the midst of the crisis that the world in experiencing, and with Holy Week only two weeks away, and I thought it might be fitting for us to remember the significance of today in the history of the Church.
Luke 1:26-38.
“26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
“29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”“34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I [c]do not know a man?” 35 An d the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.”
Today is March 25, and the historic Church (as all believers in Christ should) celebrates the Annunciation (The announcement) by archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she should become the mother of Jesus Christ the Son of God, as today is exactly nine months before Christmas!(Make a note we are 9 short months away form Christmas, no pressure)
It is the day Archangel Gabriel announced the Incarnation of Christ;
“you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” (Luke 1:31)
Today we commemorate a sacred event when the love and will of God was made known to humankind.
We sing the exclamation of the Virgin Mary, My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! (Luke 1:46-47).
We offer thanksgiving and praise to God for His marvelous works and His glorious revelation. Through the message of the Gospel, we affirm that joy greeted the Incarnation of our Lord; joy filled the hearts of the multitudes who received Him in faith and those who found hope; and joy compelled many to go forth to the ends of the world and proclaim the blessed and eternal life that comes through Christ and the Gospel.
The celebration of the Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary and of the Incarnation of our Lord, is a celebration of the revelation of God’s love and God’s gift.
It is a feast of joy. And we all need a little Joy today!
