Session 2: The Annunciation

Settle yourself in a comfortable place, where you feel at home. Close your eyes. Deepen and slow your breathing until you are content, relaxed and at ease. Open yourself to God who awaits you in the silence.

A reading from the Gospel of Luke…

Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

First: As we begin, bring to mind the three persons of the Trinity, looking on our world with love, seeing its beauty and brokenness. We remember that out of love for us, the Second person becomes human to save us.

Second: Imagine yourself in the town of Nazareth in Galilee. What can you see around you? What is the weather like? What can you hear and smell? Walk along the street and find the house where Mary lives. Knock on the door and wait to be invited in. Go into the house with Mary and pause to see what happens next. Continue to breathe deeply and slowly.

Third: As you wait expectantly with Mary what is stirring within you? Notice what is bubbling up from deep within. What do you want to say to God at this moment? Say it now…

Suddenly there is an angel in the room with you. Observe him closely. Be curious. How do you know he’s an angel? What can you see? What does he sound like? Are you excited? Scared? Amazed? Or something else?

Turn your attention now to Mary. Notice how she is reacting to the angel’s message.

Ponder what might be going on inside her. What does Mary do or say that especially catches your attention? What do you feel drawn to say to her?

Gabriel turns and catches your eye. Listen as he speaks.

He is bringing a message from God.

What is this message – this new creation - that God is planting within?

What do you sense God is asking of you today?

Fourth: In your prayers share with Jesus what is on your heart. Tell him about your experience of visiting Mary and meeting God’s messenger. When you are ready, make a response to God’s message for you.

The Revd Catherine Williams