Et Verbum Caro Factum Est

"This is the great Festival of the Incarnation, commemorating the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to Our Lady that the Divine Son of God, the Word, would take human nature upon Him in her virginal womb ... On this day the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, uniting for evermore our human nature to the Divine nature. The Mystery of the Incarnation brings vividly before us the boundless condescension and humility of God the Son in stooping to our condition in order to be our Savior. Equally it proclaims the glory and greatness of Mary, who was chosen to give to the Divine Word human flesh and human birth, and so to co-operate with God in the restoration of mankind. Hence her most glorious title of 'Mother of God,' which explains all her glories, her sanctity, and her honor." - The Roman Missal 1962

"Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be done unto me according to thy word."

These very words - which poured forth from the meek, pure, and humble heart of Our Lady - enabled God to become flesh. These words, too, should be the words of every Christian who seeks to put first the will of God. But even more so, the words of The Blessed Virgin Mary's fiat remain near and dear to the heart of the Bride of Christ. She utters them firstly at her entrance, she renews them again at her clothing, and she vows to them at her profession. Her life is no longer her own; she is the handmaid of the Lord. 

On this most beautiful feast of the Annunciation, may we all rejoice in the mystery in the Incarnation and ask Him to become incarnate in our hearts and bodies, that we may bear His face to all, through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. 

Hymn From Lauds for the Annunciation

O day on which salvation dawned, 
You saw an angel visit earth, 
When prophecies would be fulfilled, 
Rejoicing over virgin birth.

For He Who with the Father dwells,
Comes down to earth, Eternal Son,
Who at His will would enter time
And choose a human mother's love.

He deigned to take the form of man
To reconcile our race with God,
By shedding Blood so innocent
That guilty man it could redeem

O Truth, that once assumed our flesh, 
And lay concealed by Virgin's veil
Before you walked on earth as Man,
Enrich us with your light divine.

Fair Virgin, who declared yourself
The lowly handmaid of the Lord,
From your bright throne in heavn's height
Be now the Queen of Faithful souls.

All glory, Jesus, be to you,
Once born of Virgin undefiled,
Who with the Spirit of Your Love
And God the Father, ever reign. Amen.