The Annunciation {Jesus' Guide to the New Year through the Rosary}

Editor's Note: Today we're excited to have Lorrie Lane Dyer begin a new weekly feature, "Jesus' Guide to the New Year through the Rosary." Each week for the next 15 weeks, we'll examine one of the mysteries of the rosary together. -SR

Today we start the New Year off with Jesus in our hearts. The New Year usually symbolizes a chance to start over, a chance to set goals for the year and a chance to renew our relationships through Christ. Let’s start off this year on the right foot with Christ as our center and focus. I thought it was appropriate to begin the New Year through the Rosary by starting this series of reflections with the Joyful Mysteries.

The first Joyful Mystery is the Annunciation.

“And when the angel had come to her, he said, ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women.’ ” (Luke 1:28)

The Fruit of the Mystery is humility. What a wonderful mystery to reflect on as we begin the New Year. God called Mary to, what appeared to be, an impossible task. Mary set aside her own concerns and worries to answer God’s call. Mary exemplifies the meaning of humility. She entrusted God with every aspect of her life although she was aware of the many uncertainties that lay before her.

As I think about Mary and what God called her to, I am humbled and amazed. This year I long to immolate Mary’s example of humility and complete trust in God.

Join me in this journey closer to Christ. Mary teaches us how to look to God for guidance; offering us comfort in the knowledge that he will be with us and help us through life’s difficulties, just as he was for Mary.

Read all the reflections in the “Jesus’ Guide to the New Year through the Rosary” series.

Simon Bening
Flemish, Bruges, about 1525 - 1530
Tempera colors, gold paint, gold leaf, and ink on parchment
6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in.
MS. LUDWIG IX 19, FOL. 13V
Digital image courtesy of the Getty's Open Content Program