This is the great Festival of the Incarnation,commemoration the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to our Lady that the Divine Son of God, the Word, would take human nature upon Him in her virginal womb. It's date is determined by that of Christmas Day, and as the day which is marked the beginning of the Christmas dispensation it was for many centuries regarded as the first day of the civil new year.
On this day the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, uniting forevermore our human nature to the Divine nature. The mystery of the Incarnation brings vividly before us the boundless condescension and humility of the Son of God in stooping to our condition in order to be our Savior, Equally it proclaims the glory and greatness of Mary, who was chosen to give to the Divine Word human flesh and human birth, and so to cooperate with God in the restoration of mankind. Hence her most glorious title of the "Mother of God," which explains all her glories, her sanctity, and her honor.
From the 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal
I almost went to Mass with hubby this morning since, "According to the historic Western rubrics, Ordo 2007 of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese Western Rite Vicariate prescribes that the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary be celebrated this year on Monday, 26 March, since it falls Passion Sunday."
I can't wait to hear about the music.
A Hymn appointed for this day:
HAIL, O Star of the ocean,
God's own Mother blest,
ever sinless Virgin,
gate of heav'nly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave,
which from Gabriel came,
peace confirm within us,
changing Eve's name.
Break the sinners' fetters,
make our blindness day,
Chase all evils from us,
for all blessings pray.
Show thyself a Mother,
may the Word divine
born for us thine Infant
hear our prayers through thine.
Keep our life all spotless,
make our way secure
till we find in Jesus,
joy for evermore.
Praise to God the Father,
honor to the Son,
in the Holy Spirit,
be the glory one. Amen.
At least we will get to sing Ave, Regina Caelorum (Hail, O Queen of Heaven), at Lauds, (I think, I'm still confused about the order of things). I originally learned it in Latin, but we sing it in English using the same Gregorian music.
While the Icon of the Annunciation is beautiful and lifetime of contemplation is to be found within it, my favorite Annunciation Painting, which reflect neither Orthodox or Roman Catholic influences is below. Just private judgment. I just like it; leftover 'tude from a previous lifetime.
