Advent Calendar 2021

Stained-glass panel depicting the Annunciation to Mary made in 13th century France. Glencairn Museum, Bryn Athyn, PA, 03.SG.236. To view a zoomable version on Google Arts & Culture, **click on the image**.

14. Annunciation to Mary

This stained-glass panel, made in 13th-century France, recounts the moment when Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ. According to the Gospel of Luke, the angel said, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus” (1:31).

On the left, the winged angel Gabriel walks toward Mary with his hand raised in greeting. Mary stands before Gabriel with the palms of her hands facing outward. This gesture signals Mary’s acceptance of what she is being told and her willingness to receive the Holy Spirit (represented by the dove flying toward her). The two figures are separated by a vase with a tall spray of roses, a flower closely associated with Mary.

Visit us at Follow the Star: A 2021 Advent Calendar.