Ave Maria (Hail Mary)

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, favored one! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 1:26-28 (NRSV)

But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Luke 1:29 (NRSV)

KecharitomeneFull of Grace

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one (Jesus) who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

Maggie Barankitse

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.

Luke 1:38 (NRSV)

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. Luke 1:39-40 (NRSV)

Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Luke 1:42b-43 (NRSV)

The Paradox of Blessing

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks Bus

The Prayer

Ave Maria (Hail Mary)

The First and Greatest Christmas Carols!