This section of Luke's gospel (1:26-38) has a birth announcement. In our time, a birth announcement would include what our culture perceives as pertinent information: baby's gender, name, time of birth, weigh, hospital, parents, and photo. In ancient times, the birth announcement was different: the mission of the new born was announced, as it was done for Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Peter, Paul and more....Just envision what would be your birth announcement if it had to be simply "a mission statement"? Merry Christmas 2023 - Fr. John A.