As in the other Mysteries of the Rosary, they relate the story of a specific time in the life of Jesus. The Joyful Mysteries relate stories of His childhood as they were accounted in the Bible. The five Joyful Mysteries and their stories are:
· The Annunciation: The Archangel Gabriel appears to young Virgin Mary and announces she is to be the mother of the Messiah.
· The Visitation: Young Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth who in her old age is expecting with child. This child is John the Baptist.
· The Nativity: Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem to comply with the decree of Caesar Augustus. Mary gives birth to Jesus.
· The Presentation: Observing the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary, take Jesus to the Temple to present Him to the Lord.
· The Finding of Jesus in the Temple: When Jesus was twelve years old, he went to Jerusalem with his parents. They lose him there and latter find Him at the Temple, in the midst of Teachers.