Christmas and Crucifixion go together

Book of Common Prayer Collect for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord
(also concluding prayer of the Angelus)

We beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion may we be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

It has been revealed that this year's BBC "Songs of Praise" for Easter was recorded straight after the Christmas programme in Lichfield Cathedral. Low lighting, evergreen displays and candles for Christmas were removed and the windows were back lit to reflect a sunny day. Congregation members shed their winter coats. The bishop says "it wasn't a deliberate deceit but it gave an air of unreality to the Easter programme". That may be so but Incarnation and Redemption are two sides of the coin of God's love for mankind manifest in the life death and resurrection of Jesus.

The Feast of the Annunciation, as this year, often falls in Lent and frequently in Passiontide which is no bad thing for reminding Christians of the unity of God's plan for the world. Mary the mother of our Lord in her 'yes' to God at the Annunciation was also consenting to be drawn deep into the Passion and Death of God's Son too. It was a total commitment not only to be "Mother of God" but also "Our Lady of Sorrows". We honour Mary at the crib and we honour Mary at the Cross.

The old man Simeon's words were truly prophetic when he said "This Child is set for a sign that will be contradicted" and to Mary "A sword will pierce your soul too".

Father, as Your Son was raised on the Cross, His Mother Mary stood by Him, sharing His sufferings. May Your Church be united with Christ in His sufferings and death and so come to share in His rising to new Life. (Opening Prayer for "Our Lady of Sorrows" on 15th September).