Birth of Jesus Foretold

Biblical Reference: Luke 1:26-38
Walking Distance: 1 mile
Key Questions:

• Where did the annunciation take place? 
• How do you react to hearing shocking news?

Water Cooler Gossip

Photo courtesy of OSU Special Collections

For many people of the world, drawing water from a community well is a daily ritual. It binds the community together, providing a place for social interaction. Even in modern workplaces we refer to water cooler gossip as employees interact in the break room.

There are two traditional locations believed to be where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she had been chosen to bear the Messiah. The first location is her home, now the Franciscan Basilica of the Annunciation. The second location is the main well in Nazareth where the Orthodox church believes Mary heard the news while drawing water. I don't know who may be right, the gospel writers are not specific as to the location, but I'm sure Mary made the nine minute walk to the local well almost every day if not multiple times per day.

Most of us in the modern world take water for granted. It flows from a tap INSIDE our homes. We do not plan ahead, spending half an hour or more collecting water for the day. And while the passage written by Luke describing the announcement is not location dependent, it is comforting to learn that Mary's life was in many respects ordinary; walking almost a mile round trip everyday to carry water back to her house.

References

• Custodia Terrae Sanctae
• Nazareth Cultural & Tourism Association