Have you ever accidentally told someone you loved them? I totally have. It usually goes something like this.

“Hey Roger, wha’up bro. Did you see Carp’s no-no last night? Ridiculous. So yeah, get back at me if you are going to Kelly’s tonight. K, Love you.”

Hang up. Wait, did I just tell Roger that I “love” him? I barely know Roger. I mean, he’s a good dude and everything, but I don’t really know him. Plus, I just don’t usually tell my buds that I love them. Wait, maybe I do love him. Crap. Should I say something? Do I need to fix it?

Never try and fix it. Just let it ride. Trying to fix it is like trying to clean food off your shirt with water in the bathroom – it is only going to make the problem bigger.

Today we celebrate a big I LOVE YOU that was no accident – the Annunciation. For some reason I have always felt attached to this moment in the story of the incarnation and have found great joy in artwork depicting this moment. The humble “yes” of Mary, the gentle invitation of the Angel Gabriel, and the cosmic consequences in this peaceful beautiful moment all captured in a few brush strokes. Amazing.

My favorite piece of art depicting the Annunciation painted by the Italian Fra Angelico. Take some time to peek through the painting to see all characters present. Further, I am always moved by the empty room behind Mary, which represents the empty tomb of the resurrection. Great stuff.

I’ve included the painting and the scripture from Luke below so that you could take some time to pray through the scripture and do a little Lectio/Visio Devina on this day celebrating the Incarnation.

26In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,^* and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, 33and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived^* a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.  Luke 1:26-38