Annunciation Explained in 4 Min. - The Annunciation of Mary - ALL You Need to Know! March 25th Feast

Summary

The Annunciation, celebrated annually on March 25th, marks the moment when the Virgin Mary consented to become the mother of Jesus, leading to his incarnation. This event is commemorated as a solemnity across Christianity, particularly in Orthodox, Anglican, Catholic, and Lutheran traditions. The script highlights the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary, her initial confusion, and eventual acceptance, embodying the fulfillment of the divine promise to the Hebrews as foretold by Isaiah. The Annunciation is depicted in numerous artworks, with the oldest known fresco dating back to the 4th century. The narrative underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus' conception and Mary's pivotal role as the Mother of God.

Takeaways

• 📅 The Annunciation is celebrated on March 25th, nine months before Christmas, commemorating the moment when Jesus became incarnate in the womb of the Virgin Mary.
• 🌟 Also known as the Incarnation or Little Christmas, the event marks the conception of Jesus in Mary's womb, which is a solemnity in Christianity.
• ✝️ If the Annunciation falls during the Easter Triduum, it may be transferred to another day to avoid conflict with Good Friday, Holy Saturday, or Easter Sunday.
• 🖼️ The Annunciation is a popular subject in Christian artwork, with the oldest known fresco dating back to the 4th century in the Priscilla Catacomb in Rome.
• 🌐 Observed by various Christian denominations including Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Catholicism, and Lutheranism, the feast is almost universally recognized.
• 📜 The Catechism explains that the Virginal conception of Jesus is a divine work beyond human understanding, as stated in the Gospel accounts.
• 👼 The fulfillment of the divine promise of the Messiah to the Hebrew people through the Prophet Isaiah is seen in the Annunciation.
• 📖 The story of the Annunciation is narrated in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 to 38, detailing the encounter between the Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary.
• 👼🏻 Mary, of the House of David and espoused to Joseph, was chosen to be the mother of Jesus, even though she had not yet entered Joseph's household.
• 🌟 The angel's message to Mary included the promise that she would conceive a son, Jesus, who would be great and inherit the throne of David, with a kingdom that would have no end.
• 🙏 Mary's response, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word,' signifies her acceptance and trust in God's plan for her to be the mother of Jesus.

Q & A

What is the Annunciation and why is it significant in Christianity?

The Annunciation is the event when the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. It is significant as it marks the Incarnation, the moment when Jesus became flesh in Mary's womb, and is celebrated as a solemnity or special feast day in Christianity.

On what date is the Annunciation typically observed?

The Annunciation is typically observed on March 25th each year.

Why is the Annunciation also known as 'Little Christmas'?

The Annunciation is referred to as 'Little Christmas' because it celebrates the conception of Jesus in Mary's womb, which is seen as the beginning of the fulfillment of the promise of the Messiah's birth.

What happens if the Annunciation falls during the Easter Triduum?

If the Annunciation falls during the Easter Triduum, which includes Good Friday, Holy Saturday, or Easter Sunday, the feast is sometimes transferred to another day to avoid conflict with the solemnities of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus.

In which century was the oldest known fresco of the Annunciation created?

The oldest known fresco of the Annunciation was created in the 4th century, as found in the Priscilla Catacomb in Rome.

Which Christian denominations observe the Feast of the Annunciation?

The Feast of the Annunciation is observed almost universally throughout Christianity, especially within Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, Catholicism, and Lutheranism.

How does the Church understand the virginal conception of Jesus?

The Church understands the virginal conception of Jesus as a divine work that surpasses all human understanding and possibility, as stated in the Catechism in Article 497.

Which prophet is associated with the divine promise of the Messiah in the Annunciation?

The prophet Isaiah is associated with the divine promise of the Messiah, as mentioned in the Annunciation narrative where the angel quotes Isaiah's prophecy, 'Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.'

How does the Gospel of Luke describe the Annunciation?

The Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 26 to 38, describes the Annunciation as the moment when the angel Gabriel was sent from God to the Virgin Mary at Nazareth, announcing that she would conceive and bear a son named Jesus.

What was Mary's response to the angel's message about her conceiving a son?

Mary responded to the angel's message with humility and faith, saying, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.' This response is known as the 'Fiat' in Latin, signifying her acceptance and obedience to God's will.

What is the significance of the title 'Theotokis' or 'Mother of God' in relation to Mary?

The title 'Theotokis' or 'Mother of God' signifies Mary's unique role as the mother of Jesus, who is both God and man. This title was used since the third century and was affirmed by the Council of Ephesus in AD 431, which declared Mary as the Theotokis because her son Jesus is one divine person with two natures, divine and human, united hypostatically.