# The Fourth Day of the Christmas Novena: The Annunciation
*2015-12-18*

> Bill Young reflects on the fourth day of the Christmas novena, focusing on the Annunciation of Mary and offering prayers for her intercession.

## The Gospel Account

From the Gospel of Luke 1:26‑33: In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. He entered and said to her, “Rejoice, you are favored by God. The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled by these words and asked herself, “What could this greeting mean?” The angel said, “Mary, do not be afraid. You have found favor with God. You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name 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 ancestor David. He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and his reign will have no end.”

## Prayer of Thanksgiving

O God, eternal Majesty, immaculate Virgin, accept our humble prayer. Through the Annunciation, an angel made Mary the living temple of God, enlightened by the Holy Spirit. We ask that she may be worthy to carry Christ, God and man, in her holy and pure womb, and that she may protect the faithful through her intercession. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

## Our Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

## Hail Mary and Doxology

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

## Closing Blessings

May God bless Francis on his birthday today, and may God bless Mother Teresa on the announcement of her sainthood, for she gave herself completely to the world.

*The Annunciation reminds us that God’s gracious invitation calls us to trust and cooperate with His divine plan.*