Day 2 - Monday
An Angel Visits Mary
It was a quiet afternoon in the little town of Nazareth, a town nestled among the hills of Galilee. The sun lay over the roofs, and the scent of fresh-baked bread drifted through narrow streets. In one small house, a young maiden named Mary was preparing a simple meal of olives, figs and bread while humming softly under her breath.
Through the open door the distinct bleat of a goat and the rustling leaves of a fig tree in the courtyard could be heard. As she worked, Mary could not imagine that Heaven was about to enter this little dwelling, and change her life forever.
For in the next instant, the whole room was filled with a brilliant light. Mary looked up, and before her stood an angel, shining with heavenly glory. It was the angel Gabriel, sent from God. The angel spoke, his voice both strong and tender:
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”
Filled with fear and wonder, Mary knelt before the Angel. What manner of greeting was this? Why should she, a simple maiden, be called full of grace?
Then the angel said again,
“Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God.
Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father, and His kingdom shall have no end.”
Mary bowed her head in wonder. “How shall this be done,” she asked, “because I know not man?”
And Gabriel answered, his voice like a wind through cedar branches:
“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also that Holy One which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age, for with God no word shall be impossible.”
For a moment there was stillness. Then Mary lifted her eyes, shining with quiet faith, and said:
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word.”
And at that, the light faded, and Gabriel was gone. But in Mary’s heart there was a great stillness—a peace so deep and radiant that all the world seemed changed. The promise of God had entered her life, and the hope of the world was beginning to stir.
Illuminator’s Notes
The Angel Gabriel
Gabriel’s name means “Strength of God.” He appears in both the Old and New Testaments as a messenger who brings great news from heaven.
Nazareth
Nazareth was a small hillside town in Galilee. Its houses were built of pale stone, and narrow paths wound between olive trees. There was nothing grand about it—yet it was here that the greatest message ever spoken came to a humble maiden.
Mary’s “Yes”
When Mary said, “Be it done unto me,” she gave her whole heart to God’s will. Her simple “yes” opened the door for the Saviour to enter the world.
The Lily
Artists often paint a white lily beside Mary or in the angel’s hand. It stands for purity, trust, and the quiet beauty of a soul that listens to God.
Narration Prompts
Tell back in your own words the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. Be descriptive and add dialogue to your narration if you’d like.
What do you think Mary felt when she heard the angel’s message?
Why do you think she was called “full of grace”?
Discussion
When the angel Gabriel appeared, Mary was quiet and thoughtful—but not afraid to say “yes.” Her heart was full of faith, even though she didn’t yet understand how God’s plan would unfold.
Take a moment to think:
What does it mean to trust God, even when His plan surprises you?
How can you say “yes” to God in small ways today?
Family Prayer
Prayer:
Lord, we think of Mary—so thoughtful, so calm, and ready to say yes when your angel brought her such astonishing news. Help us to be like her: quick to listen, gentle in spirit, and willing to do what you ask. When something feels surprising or difficult today, let us remember Mary’s brave and trusting heart, and choose obedience and grace.
Family Reflection
How can we show obedience and grace in our home today, like Mary did when she said yes to God?
Scripture Copywork
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.”
(Luke 1:38)