Happy Feast of the Annunciation!

Last updated on: March 25, 2014 at 6:00 am by Katrina

Happy Feast of the Annunciation! 2014-03-24T20:54:46-06:00 Katrina

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

In the sixth month, 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 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. Luke 1: 26-38

On this great Solemnity of the Annunciation, take some time to reflect on the above reading from Luke’s gospel. This passage is filled with God’s promises and revelations to mankind, and also shows us Mary’s example of fortitude and humility, borne of her great love for her Creator. Here are a few ideas for celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation with your family, adapted from this website:

-On this day, you could attend Mass with your young children and ask them to pray especially for the unborn and for their parents, especially those who are struggling for one reason or another.

-Have waffles for breakfast (or lunch or dinner!) – they are a traditional food for feast days in most European countries, but most especially on the Feast of the Annunciation. We will be having frozen Trader Joe’s waffles for breakfast 🙂

-Since this day is a Solemnity, you may choose to forego your Lenten penance obligations, or to celebrate with a special dinner or dessert. You can the above website for some great ideas on symbolic desserts.

Our table setting for the Feast of the Annunciation

-One year on this Feast day, I took a light blue candle and carved a little nook in the center, placing a picture of baby Jesus inside. I then cut a small piece of tissue paper to cover the picture, and pinned the tissue into the wax with a thumbtack. I explained that the candle symbolized Mary carrying baby Jesus in her womb – although he was hidden within her, this did not make him any less real. I also took the opportunity to talk about the Visitation, and how the baby John leapt in Elizabeth’s womb as Mary approached. My children really liked this activity and it seemed to help them better understand the Annunciation and Visitation. If you decide to do this activity, the candle could be any color – I just happened to have light blue on hand.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen!

Liturgical Seasons

Motherhood and Parenting

Spiritual Life

The Catholic Church

Feast of the Annunciation

Previous Post

March 24, 2014

Power-House Quick Mix for Busy Families

Next Post

March 26, 2014 Preach it!

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Builders' Favorite Posts Children Education & Homeschool Food and Nutrition Health Home Organization Inside Our Inbox Keeping It Real Liturgical Seasons Marriage Miscellaneous Motherhood and Parenting Nature and the Environment NFP and Fertility Politics and Current Events Pregnancy Recipes Spiritual Life The Catholic Church Thoughts for Thursday Uncategorized

Select a Month April 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What is the teaching in "Let your yes be yes and your no, no"?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Be honest and straightforward Never speak Lie if needed Be vague