The Annunciation of the Lord 25th March. The angel Gabriel announces to the world – Rejoice. The first important message in Luke’s Gospel is the Angel Gabriel’s address to Mary – Rejoice. This is the Greek word for greeting chaire (χαίρε), which means “rejoice”.
Rejoice. It is perhaps the truest word to begin a new era in human history – the New Testament.
The Annunciation of the Lord
God’s messenger, the angel Gabriel, announces God’s decision, not only to Mary personally but to the whole world: God has decided to begin salvation now. It is time for the Messiah. His time begins today. The gates of Paradise are being opened to every passenger on earth. Rejoice, man.
Rejoice – This is the Key Word
The angel repeats this wonderful word “rejoice” on the Holy Night after the Messiah is born in Bethlehem: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)
For the third time, this word is heard with the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. In John 20:20 we read: “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.”
This word rings out at key moments in salvation history, as a confirmation that the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary is becoming a reality.
Finally, the word is heard for the fourth time when Jesus’ mission here on earth is fulfilled and he goes to his Heavenly Father.
When Jesus says goodbye to the disciples: “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (John 16:22)
Rejoice – This is a Christian Feeling
Are you rejoicing, my brother, that God loves you? I rejoice. And when you fully understand God’s plan, the only true feeling is joy. You want to thank Him and praise Him.
And it’s not a momentary joy that lasts a couple of minutes. It is a fundamental joy that gives meaning to life.
What could be better than God’s love for us, which accompanies us throughout the journey of life, and opens the gates of the Kingdom of God to us?
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, joy is Your gift. Joy is the Redeemer’s gift to us. You commanded the angel Gabriel to announce that the salvation of mankind has begun. And the echo of that announcement comes to me. That Good News is still ringing out today and everyone can hear it.
Please strengthen my faith so that, confessing the Lord Jesus as true God and true Man, I may attain eternal joy by the power of His resurrection. Joy in Your kingdom is my dream. I ask this of You, Father, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
