The Annunciation of our Lord

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Yes, you read that title correctly!  Here we are in the middle of Lent and today (March 25th) is a Holy Day that points us to the Incarnation: The Annunciation of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

We usually read the Gospel account of the Annunciation during Advent as we are preparing to celebrate Christmas and we are swept up in the amazing truth that God became human and dwelt among us.  But Mary wasn't pregnant for only a few weeks.  March 25th is 9 months before December 25th and it is the date that the Church has designated to attend to the miraculous and glorious event of the Annunciation.

As you read the passage, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you.... in your place of need.  You may want to read it slowly, two or three times.  Let the words so familiar in another season of our lives bring hope and perspective during this season of contrition and repentance.

peace and grace,
Tracy

Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from 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. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to 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 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “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 called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

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