The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary announcing she has been chosen by God to bear his Son. Mary accepts obediently.
" The angel said to her, 'Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God's favor. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the most high; and His reign will have no end.' Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?' 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God.' "I am the handmaid of the Lord,' said Mary, 'let what you have said be done to me.' - Luke 1:30-38
Mary visit's her cousin Elizabeth, to help her as she prepares for the birth of her own child, John the Baptist. Upon Mary's arrival Elizabeth's child "leaped" in her womb, realizing the Lord Jesus was present.
"Mary set out at that time and went to the hill country. And she went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said. 'Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.' " Luke 1:39-42
Jesus Christ our Lord is born.
" She gave birth to a son, her firstborn, and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes. And she laid him in a manger because there was no room for them at the inn. In the countryside close by there were shepherds and the angel of the Lord appeared to them. 'Do not be afraid. Listen I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.' " Luke - 2:7-11
Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple. Simeon, who was promised by God that he would not die before seeing the Savior holds Jesus in his arms and tell Mary that her heart will be "pierced by a sword".
" Observing the law of Moses, they took Jesus up to Jeruselem to present him to the Lord. Now in Jeruselem there was a man maned Simeon. He was an upright and devout man. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus, he took him into his arms and blessed God. 'Now, Master, you can let your servent go in peace, just as you promised. Because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all nations to see. A light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Isreal.' And he said to Mary his mother, 'You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected. And a sword will pierce your own heart too - so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.' - Luke 2:22-32, 34,35
When Jesus was twelve years old, on their way home from their trip to Jerusalem for Passover, Mary and Joseph realized Jesus was not with them. They looked for him for three days and found him in the Temple conversing with scholars and elders who were surprised at his intelligence and knowledge. When Mary gently scolded him about worrying her he replied, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be busy with my Father's affairs?"
" When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. When they were on their way home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents knowing it. They went back to Jerusalem looking for him everywhere. Three days later, they found him in the Temple. He was sitting among the doctors, listening to them, and asking them questions. And all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligence and replies. 'My child, why have you done this to us? See how worried your father and I have been looking for you.' 'Why were you looking for me? Did you not know I must be busy with my father's affairs?' " - Luke 2:42,43, 45-49
Rosaries and Chaplets
Click Here
Updated:10/05/2001
A. Carr, Webmistress