The Diocese of Gaylord last week observed the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, which celebrates Mary's "yes" in response to the angel Gabriel. The Annunciation is celebrated nine months before Jesus' birth at Christmas.

“Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “Let us pray today that we, like Mary, have the faith to say 'Yes!' to God, even when his plan is not our own.” 

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is the occasion that celebrates the Incarnation, or God becoming man, according to Franciscan Media. Mary, as Jesus' mother, plays a key role in the Incarnation, linking Heaven and Earth. Franciscan Media describes Mary’s acceptance of the angel’s request as an example of "how an ordinary human being can reflect God in the ordinary circumstances of life.”

The Gospel reading for the day this year came from Luke Chapter 1, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) says. The passage describes the angel Gabriel’s appearance before Mary. Initially, Mary was frightened, but the angel calmed her and told her not to be afraid. Gabriel then delivered the message that she would bear the Son of God and name him Jesus. 

Gabriel also told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth, who had previously believed she couldn't have children, was also pregnant. Gabriel told Mary, "Nothing will be impossible for God.” After being told that, Mary said, ”Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” 

Vatican News describes the Annunciation as Mary's transformation into a Tabernacle for Jesus. It provides this prayer for the Annunciation: 

"Today is disclosed the myst’ry before the ages; and the Son of God shall become the Son of Man, that by his adoption of the lowest he may grant us the highest. Of old Adam failed to become a God as he desired, so God became Man that Adam might become as God. Wherefore, let creation rejoice, and nature exchange greetings, for the archangel did stand reverently before the Virgin and offered her joy instead of sorrow. Wherefore, O our God, who by thy compassion became man, glory be to thee.”