The Annunciation

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 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 ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to 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 holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her. Luke 1:26-38

Today is the feast of the annunciation, when we celebrate the angelic visit to Mary, telling her she was to bear the child of God. Right here, in the deep heart of Lent, in the chilly first days of spring, we are reminded of the beginnings of our faith, and the courage of one very young woman, who would suffer greatly and be misunderstood. She gave her body for the life and healing of the world. In these days when much seems to be falling apart, we remember Mary and her bravery. May we all be a little braver these days, trusting that God is also moving here and now for the life and healing of the world.

Litany for the Annunciation

Gracious Creator, source of all life

you called a vulnerable young woman

to carry the savior and she said yes.

Let it be with us according to your word.

We struggle for dominance and control

refusing to trust in your loving presence

and suffer mightily from loneliness and grief.

Let it be with us according to your word.

You entrusted the Messiah to the least

and you will entrust us with your love

as we open our hearts and live with compassion.

Let it be with us according to your word.

The world is a messy and confusing place

yet your son came to bring peace to us all.

Let it be with us according to your word.

We struggle and forget your love for us

and entrust our faith in flashy false leaders.

Let it be with us according to your word.

You promise to be with us always and forever

help us to turn our hearts again to you now.

Let it be with us according to your word. Amen.