The Divine Announcement to Mary: Exploring the Annunciation

The Significance of the Annunciation

The Annunciation is a key event in Christian doctrine, marking the moment when the Angel Gabriel informed Mary of her role in the Incarnation, where God would take on human form through her. This event is not just a divine announcement but also a testament to Mary's faith and willingness to serve God's will.

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

This prophecy from Isaiah, which Mary's role fulfills, underscores the divine intervention in human history, highlighting the miraculous nature of Jesus's conception.

The Annunciation in Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

The Foretelling of Jesus's Birth

In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail." "I am the Lord’s servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." Then the angel left her.

Theological Implications of the Annunciation

The Annunciation signifies the beginning of the New Testament's fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Mary, as the new Eve, brings forth the Messiah, reversing the curse of sin introduced by Eve. Gabriel's message highlights two crucial aspects: the divine conception of Jesus, who would be both fully God and fully man, and the eternal nature of His kingdom.

Commentary on the Annunciation

John Gill's Commentary on Luke 1:28:

And the angel came in unto her
Gabriel entered Mary's home, delivering a message of divine favor:

and said, hail;
A greeting of peace and divine blessing:

thou art highly favoured;
Mary was chosen for a unique role, unlike any other:

the Lord is with thee;
A traditional greeting, here indicating God's presence:

thou art blessed among women;
This blessing was confirmed by Elizabeth (Luke 1:42) and another woman (Luke 11:27), recognizing Mary's exceptional role.

John Gill's Commentary on Luke 1:31:

And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb,
This miraculous event, despite Mary's virginity, fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, as referenced by Matthew, showcasing the divine intervention in human affairs.