Annunciation

The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will give birth to the Son of God and will name him Jesus. Though she doesn’t understand how this will happen, she says, “Be it done unto me according to thy word”.

VisitationGabriel tells Mary that her older cousin, Elizabeth, who has been barren for years, is six months pregnant, proving that nothing is impossible for God. Mary sets off to be with her cousin. When Elizabeth sees Mary, her baby jumps in her womb when he recognizes that God, the baby Jesus in Mary’s womb, is so close. Elizabeth then knows that Mary is pregnant with Jesus, and the two women share their joy for three months.

Journey to BethlehemJoseph takes Mary to Bethlehem on a donkey to be counted for the Roman census. They arrive in Bethlehem just as Mary is ready to give birth, but there is no room for them in the inns.

NativityAfter finding no rest in the inns, Joseph takes Mary to a stable in a cave. In the middle of the night, Jesus is born amidst the animals and the angels. Mary wraps him in swaddling clothes and lies him in a manger.

Earthly Father

St. Joseph sees the fulfillment of the angel’s announcement that Mary had conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about St. Joseph is his silence and humility.