Annunciation

Leonardo Da Vinci - Annunciazione

Annunciation from 13th century Armenian Gospel

Bartolomé Esteban Perez Murillo 023

The annunciation (Trinity-Serguis Lavra)

The Remaining Signs of Past Centuries - Annunciation

Annunciation refers to the Christian celebration of the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God, marking his Incarnation. Gabriel told Mary to name her son Jesus, and the event is celebrated on March 25, exactly nine months before Christmas, the birthday of Jesus. This event is a key moment in Christian theology, as well as in the art and culture of Western civilization.

Biblical Account

The story of the Annunciation is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:26-38). According to Luke, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to Mary, a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. The angel greeted Mary, telling her that she had found favor with God and would conceive in her womb and bear a son, whom she should name Jesus. The angel explained that the child would be great and would be called the Son of the Most High, and his kingdom would have no end. Mary questioned how this could be since she was a virgin. Gabriel replied that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Most High would overshadow her, making the holy one to be born called the Son of God. Mary responded with obedience, expressing her servitude to God's will.

Theological Significance

The Annunciation is significant in Christian theology for several reasons. It marks the moment of the Incarnation, where Christians believe God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. It is a fulfillment of the prophecy found in Isaiah 7:14, where a virgin is foretold to bear a son called Immanuel, meaning "God with us". The event also highlights Mary's role in Christian salvation history, underscoring her obedience and willingness to serve as the mother of Jesus. Mary's response to Gabriel, often called the "Fiat," is seen as an example of faith and submission to God's will.

Celebration

The Annunciation is celebrated on March 25 in the Christian liturgical calendar. This date is chosen to fall exactly nine months before Christmas, the celebration of Jesus' birth. It is a significant feast day, observed by various Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Anglican Communion, and Lutheranism. The day may include special church services, prayers, and hymns that reflect on the meaning of the Incarnation and Mary's role in it.

Artistic Depictions

The Annunciation has been a popular subject in Christian art, depicted in countless paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts throughout history. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Caravaggio have created iconic representations of this event. These artworks often depict key elements of the story, such as the angel Gabriel, Mary, the Holy Spirit (often symbolized by a dove), and sometimes, the presence of a lily, symbolizing Mary's purity.

See Also

• Virgin Birth of Jesus
• Christianity
• Incarnation (Christianity)
• Feast of the Annunciation