The Basilica of the Annunciation stands over the place where Mary grew up–where she learned cooking from her mother, where she learned about God and the coming Messiah. The stained glass above the door of the Basilica cast a rainbow of color on the inside floor. The windows tell a story of Mary and Jesus. The Bible comes to life.
Mary’s main activity, as was that of other young women, was to draw water from the well, filled by a spring that has flowed for thousands of years. Gathered around the well several times each day, the girls giggled and shared stories of things that happened in those days. It was the social event of the day. Today we turn the faucet, water flows and we miss the fun at the well.
One day when Mary was alone at the well, the angel Gabriel, met her. “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, and descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. Th angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,'” (Luke 1:26). Some versions of this scripture say Gabriel said, “Hail Mary!” Gabriel unfolded God’s plan to Mary and she responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled,” (Luke 1:38).
Jesus changed Mary’s life forever. He changed mine too, with His forgiveness and eternal, abundant life. I have never been the same, and I never want to be as I once was.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for Jesus. Thank you for Mary. O Lord, let Jesus be born in us to shine His light into the darkness of this world and bring hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
A Closer Walk with God 