Annunciation and the Virgin Birth
Mary is a key figure within Christianity, but especially within Catholicism. Mary is the Mother of Christ. She agreed to God鈥檚 plan to bear his Son.
In the biblical account of the The announcement of the innunciation by Angel Gabriel as read in the Bible (Luke 1: 26-38)., the Angel Gabriel informs Mary that she will have a son.
The angel said to her, 鈥淒on't be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus."
Mary is confused at this, because she is a A person who has not had a penetrative sexual relationship., but the angel tells her that it is by the work and power of the Holy Spirit. Mary agrees to God鈥檚 plan to carry his only Son.
"I am the Lord's servant,鈥 said Mary; 鈥渕ay it happen to me as you have said."
The gospels tell us that Mary and Joseph had to travel to their hometown of Bethlehem. This was because a An official count of the population. It may hold details such as ethnicity, occupation and age. had been called, and each citizen was required to return to their hometown. As a result, Bethlehem was full with no place to stay overnight. The only place to stay was a stable, and this is where Mary gave birth to the Son of God.
She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger鈥攖here was no room for them to stay in the inn.
Visiting the newborn
Both Matthew and Luke鈥檚 Gospels tell of visitors to the newborn.
In Matthew鈥檚 Gospel, the The three wise men, or three kings, who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus when he was born. come to visit the new baby. After following a star to find the child, they brought him gifts of:
- gold
- frankincense
- myrrh
These gifts are a sign of holiness and royalty. They are therefore a sign that the baby is considered a king.
In Luke鈥檚 Gospel, the shepherds come to worship and praise the newborn child. The poor and humble shepherds show that Jesus came to serve and save all people from all races and backgrounds.