Immaculate Conception

The Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8. According to Roman Catholic dogma, the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of the Virgin Mary without the stain of original sin. According to the Immaculate Conception, from the beginning of her life Mary was preserved by God from the lack of sanctifying grace and filled with divine grace.

The Immaculate Conception is one of four dogmas in Roman Catholic Mariology. It is believed Mary live a life free from sin. The doctrine celebrates the virginal conception of Mary with her son Jesus, referred to as the Virgin Birth.

Pope Sixtus IV established the universal feast of the Immaculate Conception in 1476. In the 19^th century, the Immaculate Conception was defined as dogma by Pope Pius IX. In the Catholic church, the Immaculate Conception is a Holy Day of Obligation. In some countries, the Immaculate Conception is a public holiday.

With Christmas coming, the Immaculate Conception reminds us of the importance of Jesus' conception and birth. Here is the bible verse telling of the Angel Gabriel speaking to Mary about the conception of Jesus, the Son of God, in her womb:

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name [was] Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, [thou that art] highly favoured, the Lord [is] with thee: blessed

Luke 1:26-38

Can you imagine how Mary felt when she heard the words of the angel Gabriel? Will you celebrate the Immaculate Conception today? Please feel free to comment.

Merry Christmas and have a beautiful, blessed day!