AS THE MOTHER of four adult children, I have had my fair share of announcements from them – both good and bad. Starring roles in plays, sports achievements, exam results and career changes to name but a few. However, as announcements go, none could top the one which I got during my final pregnancy.

During a routine scan, I was quite worried when the sonographer fetched a more senior member of her team to look at the image on the screen. Then certain questions were put to me:

“How many children do you already have?” I was asked.

“Two,” I innocently replied.

“And do you have any twins in your families, on either side?” came the next question.

“No, none.” I answered, puzzled.

And finally the announcement:

“Well, that’s unusual, because you’re definitely expecting twins this time! Congratulations!”

And there was more to come. When I attended my next scan some weeks later, my husband then announced that he was quite disappointed that they didn’t discover a third baby – which would have meant triplets!

Needless to say, he was only joking, as our joy and contentment was as complete as our family and has remained so right up until this present day. We know that Our Blessed Lady received her own incredible announcement from the Angel Gabriel. She was told that she was so highly favoured in the eyes of God, that she was invited to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mary, of course, had expected no

proclamation, but despite her initial amazement responded in the most positive way possible:

“I am the handmaid of the Lord,” she said. “Let what you have said be done to me.”

The revelation which Our Lady received was the greatest of all time and as we know, resulted ultimately in our redemption. Mary was to carry and give birth to Christ the Lord. Unlike myself, her great tidings told of only one baby to be carried and born, rather than two or even three!

Yet never before or since, has an expected child been so sublime, precious and perfect. That child which is our one true Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

(ENDS – 365 words)