We celebrate today the most important event in human history, when the eternal Son of the Father, the Word, united himself to a human nature in the womb of Mary. Nine months later, he would be born in Bethlehem, and so we celebrate Christmas on December 25th. These two feasts-Christmas and the Annunciation-are the only two which call for a genuflection during the Creed where there is usually a bow, at the words “and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became Man.”

God dwells among us so that that we can dwell forever with God as His sons and daughters. And God make all of this dependent on the response of the handmaid of Nazareth, Mary. Hearing Gabriel’s message, she responds, “May it be done to me according to your word.”

God will do great things for us if only we will trust and say yes as Mary did. Our selfishness, pride, and fear often keep us from submitting to God’s will. But this is the only path that will bring us the fullness of life. I leave you with this beautiful song, Gabriel’s Message, sung by the pop star Sting.