When we consider the heroes of the Christmas story, the most exemplary has got to be Mary, the unwed, pregnant teen.
In the account found in Luke 1:26-38 MSG, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in the town of Nazareth, in Galilee. He had a message for her. You would think that his first words—“Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you” (Luke 1:28 MSG) would be received happily!
But Mary was not so sure. She was troubled and wondered what that could possibly mean!
The angel laid it out for her:
- Don’t be afraid – you have found favor with God!
- You are going to become pregnant, give birth to a son, and you should call Him Jesus.
- He is going to be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
- He’ll sit on the throne of King David, will reign forever.
“How can that be possible,” she replied, “I’m a virgin!”
The angel described that she would be become pregnant by the Holy Spirit, so that the one being born would be called the Son of God. He said, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
Mary listened, heard what God had to say, and her response showed her faith: “Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.”
What do you think Mary was feeling and thinking at that moment in time, as she listened to the angel? What kinds of questions or concerns would be going through your mind? How would you have responded?