Advent Season · Fourth Sunday of Advent · Year B
Luke 1:26-38
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
December 20, 2026
Overview & Insights
“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
The mention of “the sixth month” in 1:26, 36 ties this episode in closely with the preceding one (note “five months” in 1:24), and the angel’s news about Elizabeth (1:36) keeps the two angelic announcements closely linked, thus preparing for the meeting of the two pregnant mothers in 1:39–56. The similar announcements to Zechariah and to Mary by the same angelic messenger prepare the reader for the parallel accounts of the births of John and Jesus in 1:57–66 and 2:1–20. But there is also a significant escalation between the two announcements, both in the status of the one to be born (prophetic forerunner as compared with Son of God) and in the scale of the miracle involved (a woman beyond normal childbearing years compared with a virgin without sexual intercourse).
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Commentary
Commentary on Luke 1:26-38 Working Preacher
Unfolds Gabriel's twice spoken favor and the promise of the Davidic throne to Mary's son.
Luke 1:26-38 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed commentary reading the Annunciation as Mary's calling story.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Luke Chapter 1 Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse exposition of Gabriel's announcement and Mary's let it be to me.
BibleHub Commentaries on Luke 1 (Annunciation) BibleHub
Classic commentators on the angel's greeting and the virginal conception.
The Fourth Sunday in Advent, Year B Catholic Productions · Brant Pitre
Dr. Brant Pitre's Catholic exegesis of the Annunciation of the Davidic King.
Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle B | Loyola Press Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Sunday Connection shifts Advent attention to Mary and asks what enabled her yes to God.
Why Mary Matters Word on Fire · Bishop Barron
Bishop Barron's homily on the classical titles of Mary and her role in bringing Christ to birth.
Like Mary, Advent 4 (B) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
Sermons That Work draws out Mary's faithful yes as a pattern for the hearer.
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: Luke (Book Overview) Enter the Bible
Background on Luke's infancy narrative, sources, and theological themes.
BibleProject: Book of Luke Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of the literary design and message of Luke's gospel.
Luke 1:26 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Word by word Greek of the Annunciation with parsing and Strong's numbers.
The Church Fathers
Worship & Prayers
Questions preachers ask
What happens at the Annunciation?
The angel Gabriel tells Mary she will bear the Son of the Most High, who will reign forever; the Holy Spirit will overshadow her, and Mary answers with her yes.
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