Please read the note below from Pastor Woodhouse regarding his sermon:

March 25 is designated as the Feast of the Annunciation each year. And at first glance, it can seem like a strange insertion into the penitential season of Lent. We have been reflecting upon our sins as we slowly walk with Jesus toward Jerusalem and the cross on Good Friday. But suddenly, our paraments turn white for a week, and we remember the story of Gabriel announcing to Mary that she will conceive and give birth to Jesus. It is natural for us to celebrate the hopefulness of Jesus’ birth and the events surrounding it… but it seems a little out-of-place to hear that story in the midst of our preparations for Holy Week!

But observing the Annunciation at this time of year allows us to join together the anticipation of Christ’s coming in several different ways: We remember that the purpose of Jesus’ miraculous birth – as foretold by Gabriel – was precisely so that He would go to the cross in our place. We remember that the triumphal entry into Jerusalem when Jesus finally arrived there to cheers and praise was, again, part of His march to His own crucifixion. But we also remember that the events that wait for us at the end of Lent are also the completion of God’s plan of salvation for all of humanity, and that we await His final, glorious return on the last day. Christ is surely coming! Rejoice, and repent!