Tomorrow, March 25, is the Feast of the Annunciation. On this day, we celebrate the announcement that the Archangel Gabriel made to Mary, that she would conceive and bear a son. Gabriel declares that she will “name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.”

But before Gabriel says any of this, he says, “Do not be afraid.”

Yes, these are fearful days. The Annunciation reminds us that we live in hope, for we live under the gracious reign of Jesus, Mary’s son. As people around the world seek hope and health in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christians around the world gather to pray on behalf of the whole world. Even while we are physically apart due to social distancing, we remain united in the bonds of faith and prayer, gifts from Jesus to the Church.

At the invitation of Pope Francis, and in conjunction with the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches, we will join our prayers tomorrow with God’s people around the world. Wherever you are tomorrow at noon, I invite you to pause and pray the Lord’s Prayer. Those of us who will be worshiping during Morning Prayer, beginning at 11:30am, will also be praying the Lord’s Prayer at approximately noon.

Remember that Jesus is our hope even in the midst of uncertainty and suffering. Do not be afraid!

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Lyle