1st Joy of Mary -- Annunciation of Mary

Well, I might have started with the 7th Joy the other day; but let's back up and start with the First Joy of Mary now.

Mary's Annunciation is Her First Joy!

First of all, Mary was brought up by elderly parents: St. Anne and St. Joachim. They dedicated her to the Temple, so they sacrificed having her holy prescence in their daily lives by letting her be at the temple most of the time.

Mary never suspected that she would be the chosen one; but she had a special trait -- she was born without original sin. She probably had some different feelings about things; but we are not sure what she knew of this.

So, when the Angel came to her while at prayer and said, "Hail Mary, Full of Grace!" Gabriel Angel was acknowledging that Mary's first beginnings were free of sin! How awesome is that!! However, Mary had free will too. The Angel came to tell her that she "would bear a son" and that He would be the "Savior". Mary may have not known all of this meaning; but she knew it would be a sacrifice of love to accept. However, Mary knew that babies were born with the help of another. "So, how can this be since I do not know man?" She wanted to keep her Virginity!! The angel said, "The Holy Spirit will come down upon you...." Also, the angel told of her cousin Elizabeth being pregnant too! Mary had no further doubts, that God would keep His promises to her; so she consented, "Let it be done according to your word." The Angel left. Mary's womb began to stir....Jesus' was now a tiny baby inside...to be born in 9 months!

Let's think about this mystery.

A young unwed mother.

St. Joseph to be foster father.

A young woman full of grace!

A mother yet still a Virgin.

The prophet Isaiah also prophesied about the coming of Jesus and Him being born of a Virgin. So, it makes sense!

Let's Pray the "Hail Mary" to Mary with even more belief! Let's pray the First Joyful Mystery remembering Mary's 1st Joy of Her Life.

We will do a series on the Sorrows of Mary after we finish this Joys series. For now, let's contemplate her Joys!

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is With You. Blessed Art Thou Among Women. Blessed is Fruit of thy Womb Jesus, Holy Mary Mother of God, Pray for us Sinners now and at the hour of death amen.