True Story Of Christmas: The Annunciation

 Let us reflect on one of the true story of Christmas, the Annunciation of Archangel Gabriel to Mary, that she will give birth to a son, to be named Jesus, through the grace of God. This act happened right here in Nazareth, in the home of Mary and Joseph, which is now the Basilica of the Annunciation. It was really touching to visit this site where it actually happened. We felt the sacredness of the place knowing that the Archangel Gabriel and Mary were in this same site over 2,000 years ago. The former home of Mary and Joseph were at the lower Church. This was the actual site where Archangel Gabriel appeared before Mary to deliver the good news. From Nazareth, Mary and Joseph then traveled all the way south to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus. It must have been a long way for them to walk as we traveled from Jerusalem to Nazareth at almost two hours driving. It was worth the visit as we reflected in this miraculous and historical event that changed human history. 

In front of the Basilica, written in Latin, Verbum caro factum est et habitavit in nobis, which meant that The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. The word of God was made flesh through the birth of Jesus Christ which started with the Annunciation of Archangel Gabriel to Mary. 

 

Depiction from the Philippines of the Annunciation. 

 

Upper Church.

 

 

 

The lower Church.

 

Former home of Mary and Joseph where Archangel Gabriel appeared before Mary. 

 

The Jerusalem Cross. 

 

A Byzantine painting depicting the Annunciation between Archangel Gabriel and Mary. 

This Christmas, please remember to pray for peace in Syria and for the Syrian people. Please take the time to donate to your Red Cross Syria Crisis Fund.