This beautiful Christmas and Advent card, a CatholicShop.com original, carries the peace and mystery of The Annunciation.

 

The front of our signature greeting card features The Annunciation, a painting by artist Luca Giordano (1634–1705) from the year 1672. Among the top painters in Naples, Italy in the late 17th century, Giordano's work often paid homage to the famous painters of the Renaissance. This striking painting of the Annunciation is one of the most beautiful depictions of the moment when the archangel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive "the Son of God" as a virgin.

 

The back of this Christmas card features the corresponding Bible passages of Luke 1:26 to 1:38, which tells the story of the angel Gabriel greeting Mary with "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" and informing her of God's plan. "Do not be afraid, Mary," he says, "for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus."

 

The inside of the card is blank, giving you plenty of room to write your own greeting.