(Mondays and Saturdays)
The Annunciation
1. The Annunciation
(LK. 1:26-38)
The archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that she is to be the Mother of God. The Holy Name of Jesus will be given to her Son. He will rule from the throne of David forever. Mary will maintain her virginity perpetually, for she conceives by the Holy Spirit.
The Visitation
2. The Visitation
(LK. 1:39-56)
Mary visits her relative Elizabeth. Saint John the Baptist, in the womb of Elizabeth, rejoices at the sound of Mary’s voice and at the presence of the Lord in her womb. Elizabeth says, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” Mary then proclaims the Magnificat.
The Nativity
3. The Nativity
(Mt. 1:18-25; Lk. 2:1-20)
Saint Joseph brings Mary to Bethlehem because of the census, but there is no place for them except in a stable outside of town. There, Jesus is born. The angels announce this to local shepherds, while Magi come from the East, lead by a star, to worship the Lord.
The Presentation in the Temple
4. The Presentation
(Lk. 2:21-39)
Joseph and Mary present Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem on the 40th day after His birth. An offering of two turtle doves is made. Simeon, inspired by God, proclaims the Nunc Dimittis and prophesies about the newborn child. The identity of the Lord is also revealed to a widow named Anna.
The Finding in the Temple
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
(Lk. 2:40-52)
After celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem, the child Jesus remains quietly behind while His parents begin their journey back to Nazareth. Realizing that He is not with them, they begin searching. On the third day, they find the Lord in “His Father’s house” listening to the teachers and amazing them with His wisdom.