Antiphona 5

Luke 1:35 records Gabriel's explanation of how the virgin shall conceive. 'Spiritus Sanctus in te descendet' (The Holy Spirit shall descend upon thee) echoes the Spirit hovering over creation's waters (Genesis 1:2) - Mary's womb becomes the site of new creation. The reassurance 'ne timeas' (fear not) is repeated from verse 30. The phrase 'Filium Dei habebis in utero' (thou shalt have the Son of God in thy womb) states the Incarnation explicitly - God himself will dwell within her. At Lauds, this antiphon presents the Incarnation as Spirit-wrought new creation, Mary as the temple housing the Divine Presence.