Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary- 8 September

 Since the Elizabethan Prayer Book of 1559, the Nativity or Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been included as a "black letter day" or minor commemoration on some Anglican calendars. Although we have no real historical information about her birth, we know that it occurred and that she played an important and holy role in the story of redemption. So it is certainly appropriate to think of the Blessed Virgin in a special way today and to give thanks for her birth, life, and faith. In the words of Luke 1:28:

     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. (KJV)

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!

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary- 2 July- Luke 1:39-45

 The second day of July is a lesser feast or on traditional Anglican calendars, a "black letter day."  The day is the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Some calendars since the 1970's observe the Visitation on 31 May.)  Although in certain aspects a minor observance, the Visitation is a significant biblical commemoration. This significance is seen in the Gospel from St. Luke 1:39-45:

"And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."

This Gospel account contains several points. It shows the kinship of Mary and Elizabeth, as well as the devotional and theological ties between them and their sons. Elizabeth also points to the blessedness of Mary and the fruit of her womb. Note that even this early in the Christian story, Mary is called "the mother of my Lord." Mary's pregnancy is unique from the beginning; it is the Incarnation of our Lord, the Christ, God the Son. So it is certainly appropriate to recall this event and to meditate on the importance of the Incarnation and Mary's role in God's redeeming work.

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!

January 1- Octave of the Nativity- Luke 2:21

 Over the centuries, Christians have been uncomfortable with the celebrations of the new year on the first of January.  In order to avoid pagan associations, January 1 was not observed as New Year's Day in many parts of Europe between the fall of Rome and early modern times. On church calendars, this date has been associated with several liturgical observances over time. When Christ's Birth started being commemorated on 25 December, this eighth day of Christmas marked the end of Christmas week. There seems to have been an ancient Roman custom of emphasizing the role of Mary on this day, and in other parts of the Church, the Circumcision and Naming of Jesus were commemorated on this day. Since the 1970s, most Christians have focused on the Holy Name of Jesus. These associations are related to Luke 2:21 where we read. "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb."

Whatever Christian tradition we emphasize, the primary importance of the first of January is not some neo-pagan indulgence; it is a day to continue thinking about the Incarnation of the eternal divine Word as Mary's Son Jesus. This child born in Bethlehem is the Lord Himself, come to save His people. God's plan for human salvation is what gives this day and every day their true significance. So let us begin the New Year by praising God and giving thanks for the salvation that has come in the Christ Child!

First Sunday after Christmas- Matthew 1:18-25- St. Joseph

 The Gospel for the Sunday after Christmas is Matthew 1:18-25. This Scripture highlights the often neglected role of St. Joseph in the Incarnation. Of course, Jesus Himself is the focus and the Virgin Mary is the highly favored one. Yet, Joseph must not be forgotten. He is a great example of a godly and honorable man. 

In his initial response to the unique pregnancy of Mary, Joseph is a merciful traditionalist. He wants to follow the rules as kindly as possible. But Joseph is also open to change for a good purpose. He hears and heeds the divine call, and in response to God's message, he accepts his vocation with courage and commitment. He is supportive of Mary. He cares for the blessed spouse and for the holy child entrusted to his care.  After the visit of the Wise Men, he leads Mary and Jesus into exile for safety from Herod's cruel slaughter of the Innocents, and later he returns the family to a settled life in Nazareth. Joseph is involved in the religious life of the holy family, as shown in the pilgrimage at Passover when Jesus was twelve. Joseph probably also oversaw young Jesus' basic education in the Scriptures and seems to have passed on his practical carpentry or cabinet-making skills.

In these and many unknown ways, Joseph fulfilled his sacred vocation as a human father. For all those who are human fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or mentors, Joseph is a great example of true manliness. For all Christians, he is an example of love, religious duty, and self-sacrifice. May his example encourage us all in our devotion to and service to Christ!

Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary- 8 December- Luke 1

Yesterday, December 8, is listed as a "Black Letter Day" or minor commemoration on the calendar of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. The eighth of December is a day traditionally called "The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary." Since it is not directly based on a specific Scripture event, the BCP does not provide it with liturgical propers, and some Anglicans have been hesitant to commemorate this day because we do not accept certain papal interpretations of her conception.

Nevertheless, the day is part of the Prayer Book tradition, and it is certainly appropriate for us to remember the blessed Virgin and honor her, especially during the season of Advent. The greeting of the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation echoes in our minds. As St. Luke 1. 26-28 says, AND in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a Virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the Virgin's name was Mary. 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.

While Anglicans have differing views about some traditions regarding Mary, we all agree that she was "highly favoured" and "blessed among women." Her role in God's plan of salvation and the Incarnation of God the Son was important and unique. The blessed Virgin should be respected, and she should inspire us to deeper devotion.

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.

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary- 2 July

The second day of July is a lesser feast or on traditional Anglican calendars, a "black letter day."  The day is the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (Some calendars since the 1970's observe the Visitation on 31 May.) As a lesser feast, it is often overlooked, and that is especially true in North America, since it falls between Canada Day (July 1) and US Independence Day (July 4). Nevertheless, the Visitation is a significant biblical commemoration. This significance is seen in the Gospel from St. Luke 1:39-45:

"And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; and entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth. And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: and she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."

In this Gospel account, there are several points. We see the kinship of Mary and Elizabeth, as well as the devotional and theological ties between them and their sons. Elizabeth also points to the blessedness of Mary and the fruit of her womb. Note that even this early in the story, Mary is called "the mother of my Lord." Mary's pregnancy is unique from the beginning; it is the Incarnation of our Lord, the Christ, God the Son. So it is certainly appropriate to meditate on the importance of the Incarnation and the role of Mary's faith in God's redeeming work.

The Presentation of Christ and the Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin

February 2 is the fortieth day after Christmas, and it has sometimes been considered the real end of the Christmas celebrations. Traditionally, the feast was called Candlemas in the Western Church because liturgical candles were blessed on this day. But that was just a quaint detail. The primary significance of the day is shown by the Gospel from St. Luke 2. 

On the fortieth day after Christ's birth, it was time for His mother to undergo the purification rites prescribed by Jewish Law (St. Luke 2:22). It was also the time to present Jesus to the priests and to redeem Him as His mother's firstborn son. As he does repeatedly, St. Luke reminds us that the Holy Family followed the customs of Jewish piety and devotion to the Law. Of all women, the Virgin certainly did not need real purification; neither did the Christ Child truly need redeeming. However, they chose to fulfill all righteousness, to follow the Law perfectly. In doing so, they obeyed the Law and pointed to the human need for purification and redemption. In the words of the Prayer Book Collect for the Day, the divine "Son was this day presented in the temple in substance of our flesh, so we may be presented unto [God] with pure and clean hearts ... by Jesus Christ our Lord."