LUKE 1:26-38

In the sixth month [of Elizabeth’s pregnancy], the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of David His father, and He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “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 called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

The holy Spirit will come upon you

What is announced by the angel Gabriel? That Mary will bear a son? Yes, but more importantly, the announcement is about God who enters humanity. The annunciation celebrates the God who wants to join us, live with us, be one of us, understand us more, and save us through love and mercy.

Many things that happen to us are announcements from God, telling us He is involved in our lives and cares for us. Many events bear God’s fingerprints. Everything that comes into our lives has meaning and purpose, and can be understood in the light of faith. It just depends on how open we are to the Spirit, how willing we are to see God’s bigger plan, and how humble we are to take notice of the message.

Looking back at my life now, I see that God has used even trials and difficulties to draw me back to him and follow His lead.

Gabriel

The angel of the annunciation is Gabriel whose name means “man of God,” or “God has shown himself strong.” His only previous biblical activity is in the Book of Daniel where he interprets visions of the last things (Dn 9:20-27). In invoking the atmosphere of Daniel and Gabriel’s appearance, Luke is suggesting that the eschatological times are inaugurated with the coming of the Messiah. In Jesus, the “fullness of time” has arrived.

Do not worry about anything today.

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2011,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.,); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.