Annunciation

AbstractThe wordannunciationliterally means announcement. It is the title given to the announcement by the Angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the birth of Christ (Luke 1:26–38). The event described by St. Luke makes reference to the name of Jesus, his greatness and eternal kingship, his reign on the throne of David, and his status as the Son of the God Most High. These numerous references are traditionally understood in the context of the Old Testament promise of a Messiah. Isaiah 7:14, for example, says “Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son,” a declaration that is repeated in Matthew 1:23. He would be a second David making visible God's invisible kingship (Ps. 2:6–12) and bring salvation to his people. The lady asks “how will this be done, for I know not a man.” The angel answers that the “Holy Spirit will come upon you,” and the “power of the Most High will overshadow you” and “the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35–38). St. Elizabeth soon afterwards confirms the angel's praise, “Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb” (Luke 1:42) and Mary offers the prayer known as the Magnificat harking back to the prophecies of the Old Testament and the prediction that “henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:48).