The Way
The Annunciation
A story that began with a girl's yes
Story
Nazareth, a small village leaning against the hills of Galilee. In this town, never once named anywhere in the Old Testament, lived a girl named Mary, promised in marriage to Joseph of the house of David. On a day like any other, a dazzling light stood before her. It was the angel Gabriel, sent from God.
Rejoice, you who are so richly favored. The Lord is with you. Mary was startled and shrank back. Do not be afraid, Mary. You will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will sit on the throne of David and reign forever, and his kingdom will have no end. Nothing is impossible for God. After a long silence, Mary bowed her head. I am the Lord's servant. Let it happen to me just as you have said.
When Joseph learned that Mary, his betrothed, was with child, he was a righteous man and did not want to shame her, so he resolved to end the engagement quietly. That night, as he slept with the thought on his mind, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child in her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Joseph woke and took Mary as his wife, just as the angel had told him. While the world knew nothing of it, heaven was beginning its greatest story in the lowest of places.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
Do not be afraid, Mary. God has shown you his favor. Nothing is impossible for God.
I am the Lord's servant. Let it happen to me just as you have said.
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. Name the son Jesus, for he will rescue his people from their sins.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Mt 1:18–25 · Lk 1:26–38
Background
Nazareth is thought to have been a small farming village of only a few hundred people. It was so obscure that in John's Gospel Nathanael asks, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?'
Pause and Reflect
Even when my plans fall apart, can I trust God's will and follow it?