Which term refers to Mary's acceptance of God's plan to bear Jesus?

• A. The Nativity
• B. Incarnation
• C. Immaculate Conception
• D. The Annunciation

Answer: (D)

The moment Mary agrees to God’s plan to bear Jesus is called the Annunciation. It refers to the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary with the news and her response, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” This event marks her consent to participate in salvation history.

To understand why this term fits best: the Nativity is about Jesus’ birth, not Mary’s agreement. The Incarnation is the broader doctrine that the Word became flesh in Jesus, the mystery that unfolds through conception, birth, and life. The Immaculate Conception refers to Mary’s own conception without original sin, not to her acceptance of bearing Jesus. The Annunciation specifically captures the moment of Mary’s willing yes to God’s plan.