March 25: The Annunciation

A Mystery Begins

On the Annunciation, the Church commemorates the Archangel Gabriel’s visit to the Blessed Mother Mary. During this visit, Gabriel announced that Jesus would be conceived by the Holy Spirit in the Virgin’s womb. That is why this feast falls on March 25th, nine months before Christmas.

“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). Our Lord’s mother bows her head and declares, “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38). This took place as the prophet Isaiah foretold: “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14).

Since the Old Testament, God has revealed that He opens and closes the womb. Our Lord’s miraculous conception is foreshadowed in the lives of Sarah and Isaac, Hannah and Samuel, and Manoah’s wife and Samson.

Yet it isn’t until our Lord’s coming that the fruit of a woman is brought forth without sin. This privilege is reserved for Mary, the living, walking tabernacle of God. Remembering this mystery, the Church has historically called her Theotokos, a Greek term meaning “God-bearer.”

A Brief History

This date is so pivotal in the history of salvation that from approximately the ninth century until the late 1500s, some European countries observed March 25th as New Year’s Day. What a beautiful image of how time hinges on Christ, the Word Incarnate!

While we now celebrate the New Year in January, the Annunciation is just as important as ever for Christians today! We’ve included the propers for the day together with a few resources on Annunciation traditions below to help you live into the joy of this feast.

Collect

Almighty God, who didst will that agreeably to the angel’s message Thy Son become incarnate of the Virgin Mary: mercifully grant that our sinful conception may be cleansed by His immaculate conception: through the same, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost: ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Lessons

Resources

Waffles are the traditional dish for the Annunciation and great fun because you can be creative with the toppings, making them savory or sweet! You can read more about the connection between waffles and the Annunciation and find a traditional Swedish recipe (with variations) here!

LSB 356: “The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came” tells of the Annunciation. While this is found in the Advent section of the hymnal, it is a most fitting hymn for March 25th!