A gender reveal party and the Annunciation

Several weeks ago, I found out that one of my colleagues is expecting a baby. I was so excited for her.

Last week several of us gathered for a regularly scheduled work lunch. And because my colleague and her husband had just found out their baby’s gender, she decided to share that news during our time together.

Some of us chose to dress in pink or blue to reflect our guesses. Other colleagues didn’t even know yet that she was pregnant, so they had the added delight of learning that news as they arrived.

I loved watching people’s faces as they heard her news. Baby news is among the most beautiful to receive, and it can be such an unexpected surprise on an ordinary workday in the office. Everyone was openly delighted.

As the lunch came to a close, she brought out the gender reveal cake. I have never been to a gender reveal party, but I love any reason to celebrate a new little one.

The expectant mom sliced into the cake, and immediately one of our sharp-eyed colleagues caught sight of blue frosting. The mom-to-be slid a slice of the cake onto a plate, and we all cheered.

What a moment. Obviously we would have cheered just as loudly for a girl. We were ready to applaud and celebrate this baby and all he is going to be.

This baby is so loved. He won’t be born for a few months, but we can only imagine how much joy he will bring to his parents and everyone he meets.

As we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation this week, we have a beautiful opportunity to remember the moment our Blessed Mother found out she would be the Mother of God. It’s hard to imagine how she must have felt—astonishment, fear, excitement, uncertainty, and awe. The news came to her through a message from an angel, as God invited Mary to be part of an incredible story that would change the world.

Anyone who has found out that a baby is entering their lives knows some of that experience. And for Mary, it must have been all of that—and the added gift of capturing a glimpse of the impact her Child would have on the world.

Of course, every child has an extraordinary impact. And whether the gender reveal happens in advance or on the baby’s day of birth, discovering a little more about a new baby is always exciting. On this beautiful feast, may we be open to God’s plan for us and for those around us, and may we recognize the blessing of God’s miraculous gift of life.

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