The Annunciation- 25 March- Luke 1:26-38

 The feast of the Annunciation is often neglected. Such neglect occurs because it is a weekday, because it falls during Lent, and perhaps also because the event receives attention during Advent. The 25th of March was first mentioned as a possible date for the Annunciation in the third century, and its observance developed and spread over several centuries. In medieval England it was known as "Lady Day," and until the mid-eighteenth century in England, it was the beginning of the New Year. 

Of course, the basis for the observance of the Annunciation is in St. Luke 1:26, "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin esposed to a man whose name was Joseph , of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary." The rest of the story should be familiar. Mary was humble and obedient to God, and although she was fearful and amazed, she accepted that she was to bear the one who was both Messiah and Son of God. The blessed Virgin is certainly a great example of holiness and faith. 

The the traditional collect of the day admirably ties the significance of the Annunciation to the other events of redemption: We beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought into the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

This Annunciation collect brings together multiple aspects of the message of Christ's Gospel. The One announced to the Virgin is the same One who suffered, died, and rose again to save us. Through divine grace, may we believe this Gospel and apply it to our lives in faith, hope, and charity. Thanks and praise be to God!

Annunciation- 25 March- Luke 1:26-38

 Many contemporary Christians probably only think of the Annunciation of Christ to the blessed Virgin Mary during Advent, but March 25 has been the traditional observance since the early centuries of Christianity. This observance remains a fitting time for reflection on the Gospel from Luke 1. On this day, we think of many things: the redemptive purpose of God the Father, the splendor of the messenger Gabriel, the gracious humility and faithful obedience of the Virgin Mary, and the mystery of the Incarnation. Since this celebration occurs during Lent, we also realize that all these wondrous aspects of the story receive their meaning through the Cross, Passion, and Resurrection of the One whose Birth is announced.

The story of the Gospel is a meaningful whole. From the Annunciation to Christmas, from Christ's Baptism to His Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension, the message is about God's amazing and saving grace uniquely expressed through His only-begotten Son Jesus. Every Sunday, every special season, every special day, and every ordinary day are times for us to think about salvation and faithful responses. We always need to hear the good news of redemption through Jesus Christ again and again!

The Feast of the Annunciation (transferred)- Luke 1

 The 25th of March fell during Holy Week this year, and traditional liturgical practice confines Holy Week to commemorating the Passion and Easter Week to celebrating the Resurrection. Thus, the feast of the Annunciation is transferred to Monday,  April 8. This is indicated on the list of precedence in the Book of Common Prayer and on other calendars

The observance of the Annunciation is based on the story of Gabriel's visit to the Virgin Mary in the Gospel from St. Luke 1:26 ff. On this day, we are reminded of the connection between the Incarnation of Christ and His Passion and Resurrection. The complete story of Jesus Christ has a unified redemptive purpose, and the collect for the day sums up this unity in a beautiful way. Commemorating Christ's first coming is also a reminder to us that we should always live in expectation and preparation for His second coming in glory.

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary- 25 March- Luke 1

Since the early centuries of the Church, some Christians have observed the Annunciation of Christ's Incarnation to the Blessed Virgin Mary, usually on March 25.  On this feast, we think of many things: the redemptive purpose of God the Father, the splendor of the messenger Gabriel, the humility, obedience, and faith of the Virgin Mary, and the mystery of our Lord's Incarnation. Since this feast usually falls during Lent, we also see the strong connection of these wondrous aspects of the story with the Passion, Cross, and Resurrection of the One whose Birth is announced.

The Collect of the Day admirably summarizes the relationship between the Annunciation and the other events of redemption that we contemplate during Lent:

We beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought into the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.