
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’*But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God.
-Luke 1: 26-30
So, true confession: I have been an Episcopalian since birth. Christened, confirmed, and went to religious schools from age three until I was 18 (and even my college and law school were respectively Presbyterian and Baptist). I like to write and read devotionals, and I like attending church. Until today, I don’t think I’ve ever celebrated or realized there was anything particularly special about March 25th.
According to today’s reading in the Satucket Lectionary: “In the first chapter of Luke we read how the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she had been chosen to be the mother of the Christ, and how Mary answered, ‘Here I am, the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be to me as you have said.’ It is reasonable to suppose that Our Lord was conceived immediately after this. Accordingly, since we celebrate His birth on 25 December, we celebrate the Annunciation nine months earlier, on 25 March.”
I mean, it totally makes sense. It just honestly, never occurred to me, and I’m grateful every chance I get to write a devotional because I literally learn something new every time (just like my recent devotional on mustard seeds!)
I wonder what new ministry has been chosen for you? Listen for the whisper of an Angel.
Musical Reflection - Canticle 13, Song of Three Young Men - St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
Thank you for teaching us something new every day, and by leading us to learn, even when we think we already know everything! Amen.

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