Mary. We are first introduced to her when the angel approaches her. The angel tells us everything we need to know about her. She is highly favored. The Lord is with her. She should not be afraid. She has found favor with God.
Her response confirms what the angel had said about her. She is the Lord's servant. Whatever it is that the Lord has in mind, let it be. She is to be the mother of the Messiah! Nothing for her will ever be the same!
This very significant event is celebrated in the Church on March 25th, nine months before the church celebrates the birth of the Christ child. In the Middle Ages, it was thought that following a mystical conjunction of events, March 25th was the day creation began. It was also thought March 25th was the day Christ died.
So, from the 6th century through the 18th century in Christian Europe, the great doctrines of creation, incarnation, and atonement were all celebrated on the same day. March 25th, the day of Annunciation, was celebrated as New Year's Day.
There is a popular song sung during Advent entitled "Mary, Did You Know." She knew a lot. She knew God's favor. She new she was going to have a baby. She knew she would name Him Jesus. She knew He would save His people from their sins.
May our Lord grant us faith to know no less about Mary and her baby.
THE PRAYER: O Advent Lord, we are grateful for the gift Mary was to her world and for the greater Gift she bore for us and for our Salvation. Amen.
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