The Annunciation of the Lord in Stained Glass

Before Christ the Savior was born to the Virgin Mary, the Archangel Gabriel delivered the joyous news to her from God. Despite being afraid, Mary accepts the will of the Lord. Creators of ecclesiastic stained glass windows throughout the ages have depicted this miraculous scene in various ways, but many pieces show Mary kneeling before the angel and receiving the news with humility and grace. The scene is a popular choice for church windows in part because of the wondrous nature of the event. The Annunciation can also help remind parishioners that they, like Mary, should be willing to place their trust in God and His wisdom.

Cathedral style stained glass image of the Annunciation

The Story of the Annunciation

Described in the Bible in the Book of Luke, the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary is the moment that Mary finds out she will bear the son of the Lord. She has already promised her hand in marriage to Joseph when the Archangel Gabriel appears to her. He tells Mary that she is highly favored by God and blessed among women. Mary is shaken and frightened by the vision, and questions how she could possibly bear a child when she is still a virgin. The words of the angel bring her comfort and peace.

It is from God’s messenger that Mary learns just how special her son will be–He will be known as the Son of God and His kingdom will be everlasting. Mary is told she will conceive through the Holy Spirit, and humbly declares herself the handmaid of the Lord. Although religious stained glass works depicting the Annunciation usually show Mary and Gabriel only, Elizabeth is also mentioned by the angel. Gabriel tells Mary that though her cousin was thought to be barren, she currently carried a child in her womb. After Mary conceived, she went to visit her cousin and saw for herself that Elizabeth was six months pregnant. The child she carried was a son who would become known as John the Baptist.

A separate Annunciation, described in the Gospel of Matthew, is made to Joseph. When he learns Mary is pregnant he naturally suspects her of being unfaithful. To put his mind at ease, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream and tells him he should not refuse to wed Mary. The baby she carries was conceived without sin through the Holy Spirit, and will be called Jesus.

The Holy Spirit shines down on the Annunciation

Why Choose Art Glass Windows From Stained Glass Inc.?

• Our team can create inspirational windows for the soul
• We offer the largest selection of any stained glass manufacturer
• Choose from our catalog of stained glass designs or create a one-of-a-kind custom piece
• Get exceptional church windows that are a source of warmth and uplifting light
• Our church stained glass is inexpensive to operate and can be enjoyed any time thanks to back lighting

Select one of our Annunciation stained glass windows for your place of worship.