But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
Luke 1:26-34 (NIV)
Mary pondered the angel Gabriel’s proclamation to her. His visit seemed like a dream. His announcement went over and over in her mind. A baby? She would carry the Son of God in her body? How could that be?
She finally believed the unthinkable but wasn’t ready to be a mother. Yes, she was betrothed to Joseph but not yet married. How would she break the news to him?
Gabriel gave her other unimaginable news. Her relative, Elizabeth, would soon have a baby even though she was past child bearing age. Two miracles.
All night long a series of questions occupied her young mind. Would Joseph believe her implausible news? Would he divorce her? Would she be stoned for having an out of wedlock child? Sleep eluded her for hours.
Finally, she realized if God sent an angel with such a wondrous message, surely, He would protect her and the baby. Then she rested in His peace.
At dawn, Mary arose from her bed and began packing for a journey into the hill country to see Elizabeth.
When Mary reached Zechariah and Elizabeth’s home, she called out loudly, “Mary, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. When I heard your voice, my baby leaped with joy.”
Elizabeth’s greeting confirmed the angel’s announcement. The two expectant mothers embraced. Concerns slipped away. Joyfully, they shared their experiences.
For three months, Mary stayed with Elizabeth as they shared precious moments. Both young and old experienced God’s favor and love while they prepared for their sons to be born.
Mary and Elizabeth questioned the news they received, they accepted it and joyfully waited. It was a time of wonder and anticipation.
Life doesn’t always go the way we plan either. Even when good news comes, there may be concerns, questions, and a time of waiting and preparation.
Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. But we often become overloaded with concerns about buying gifts, having the right decorations, preparing the most delicious meals and creating the most spectacular Christmas ever. During Advent, we need to take time to relax, read the Bible about the coming Savior and focus on the wonder of Jesus’ miraculous birth.
Father, what a wondrous gift you gave to the world with your son, Jesus. Show us how to open our hearts and share his love with the world.
TheAmen.
Read Luke 1and 2 to get more of the wonderful story.
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