I. THE ANNUNCIATION
We know that the period when Christ was born was amongst the Jews a period of the most lively expectation. The weeks of Daniel had passed, and there was an eager waiting for the coming of the Messias. Amongst other maidens of her race Mary was looking forward and praying to God:
"Rorate cœli desuper et nubes pluant lustum,
Aperiatur terra et germinet Salvatorem."
"Rain down dew, ye Heavens. Let the clouds pour forth the Just. Let the earth be opened and give birth to the Saviour."