The Liturgical Home: The Feast of the Annunciation
On March 25, we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation. This feast remembers one of the most incredible mysteries of our faith: the moment the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and proclaimed that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. This day marks the very moment of the Incarnation when God himself took on flesh within Mary’s womb.
The Church proclaims with awe:
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Today is the beginning of our salvation, God is come among men; He who cannot be contained is contained in a womb; the timeless enters time. A great mystery! His conception is without seed, his emptying past telling! So great is this mystery! For God empties himself, takes flesh, and is fashioned as a creature when the angel tells the pure Virgin of her conception: “Rejoice, you who are full of grace; the Lord who has great mercy is with you!”
Stichera of the Annunciation, St. John the Monk
Though we often think of Christmas as the celebration of Christ’s coming, it is at the Annunciation that his earthly life truly begins. Nine months before we celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Day, we celebrate this sacred beginning, marveling at the humility of God and the faith of Mary, who gave her “yes” to God’s plan of salvation.
The Annunciation in Scripture
When the fullness of time had come (Galatians 4:4), God sent the angel Gabriel to a young girl named Mary (Luke 1:26). Mary listened in awe as Gabriel told her that she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit. That son would be called the Son of the Most High and reign over the house of Jacob forever. Mary humbly accepted her role, responding, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be unto me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
This incredible response from Mary is known as Mary’s Fiat. The term fiat comes from the Latin word for “let it be” or “so be it.” Mary’s fiat is an incredible act of faith, obedience, and surrender to God’s will. Her acceptance of God’s plan without hesitation has made her a model of faith for many Christians and is a central theme in Christian theology and devotion. Her “yes” to God’s plan contrasts with Eve’s disobedience, making Mary’s “fiat” a critical moment in salvation history.
The entire event, known as the Annunciation, is also a central moment in Christian belief, signifying the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. At this moment, Mary becomes what is known as Theotokos, or “God-bearer,” often translated as “Mother of God.” The title emphasizes Mary’s role in giving birth to Jesus Christ, who is recognized as fully God and fully human in Christian doctrine. By calling Mary the Theotokos, the Church affirms the belief in the divine nature of Christ from the moment of His conception.
A Feast of Joy and Faith
The Feast of the Annunciation is a time to marvel at God’s great love for us, that he would humble himself to take on our nature, all through Mary’s simple, faithful “yes.” It is a day to rejoice, to reflect, and to ask:
“How can I, like Mary, respond to God’s call with trust and obedience?”
Let us take inspiration from her words and say with her:
“Let it be to me according to your word.”
Ways to Celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation
1. Read Luke 1:26-38
Gather as a family and read the Annunciation passage together. Discuss what it must have been like for Mary to receive such astonishing news. Reflect on her faith and obedience, and ask:
- Has God ever asked you to do something that felt difficult or uncertain?
- How did Mary respond to God’s call? How can we imitate her trust?
2. Make Waffles!
In Sweden, people celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation with waffles covered in whipped cream and berry jam. This tradition dates back to the 12th century. It originates from a linguistic mix-up: the Swedish word for the feast, Vårfrudagen (“Our Lady’s Day”), was misheard as Våffeldagen (“Waffle Day”)!
Enjoy this simple waffle recipe (included below) and serve with syrup or the traditional berry jam with whipped cream.
3. Bake Annunciation Cupcakes
Bake cupcakes with a hidden surprise inside to symbolize the moment when Jesus was conceived in Mary’s womb:
- Before baking, insert a small chocolate chip or piece of candy into each cupcake batter.
- Frost with pale blue icing, the color traditionally associated with Mary.
- As you enjoy them, explain how Jesus, though hidden, was truly present in Mary from the moment of the Annunciation.
4. Decorate with Red Carnations
Place red carnations in a vase as a centerpiece. The red symbolizes the Incarnation, while the flower itself represents the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a simple yet beautiful way to visually remind your family of the great mystery we celebrate today.
5. Plant Marigold Seeds
The marigold is named after Mary (“Mary’s gold”). Planting marigold seeds on this day provides a hands-on way for children to understand the idea of hidden life growing within—just as Jesus began His earthly life in Mary’s womb, unseen but fully present.
6. Make an Annunciation Candle
Create a special candle to symbolize Mary carrying Jesus:
- Take a pale blue or white pillar candle.
- Carve out a small niche in the side.
- Place a tiny image of baby Jesus inside the niche (cut from a Christmas card or printed from an online source).
- Cover the niche with a small piece of fabric and secure it with pins.
Annunciation Waffles
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 heaping teaspoons baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
- Grease the waffle iron and slowly pour in the batter.
- Cook until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.
Image: The Annunciation fresco on the facade of the Metropolitan Cathedral, Athens, Greece, by B. Antoniasis (1895). Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
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